Readers' letters

Regarding the decision to leave the EU, I am disappointed by the financial institutions, and especially the Bank of England, in their lack of support for the UK – given we now have the chance to become Great Britain again.

Rather than keep knocking the country, they ought to be rallying and supporting us. As for Lloyds Banking Group closing branches and creating redundancies using Brexit as an excuse, I would advocate that we, the public, boycott the business unless they change their minds. We need to support banks that back Britain, not the ones helping bring us to our knees.

The other disappointment is that, so far, we have not seen any business initiatives arising. The Home Builders Federation announced that although they had planning permission for thousands of new-builds, they couldn’t find the skilled workforce, or materials from this country, hence foreign workers.

Regarding the lack of skills, the reason might be because school leavers and university graduates have too many choices to make, with no clear requirements from the trade to help them choose the right qualification to enable them to get a job. The whole thing needs simplifying and then we can begin giving our kids the chance for proper careers – careers where they can earn big money and contribute to rebuilding our country.

Karl Sheridan,

via email


television

Presenters talk too fast

For years before we had television I used to listen to the radio for entertainment. It was a pleasure to listen to Brian Johnston and Jim Swanton presenting cricket on the BBC. There were many excellent announcers who could speak perfect English. Now both on BBC radio and television, and also ITV, there are people who can only speak the American version of the Queen’s English, especially the world ‘yer’ instead of ‘yes’.

One of the bad habits of presenters, both men and women, is the speed they talk. Sometimes you can’t remember a word they have said.

How nice to listen to David Attenborough present one of his nature programmes, word perfect and explained to perfection.

LN Hirst,

Address supplied


charity

Helping to boost the UK


It was interesting to see the recent GDP figures in the months leading up to the EU referendum.

However, I want to highlight another set of figures released recently which reveal how the economy has gained a significant boost from an unexpected quarter – a charity.

Research by NEF Consulting shows that The Prince’s Trust has made a £1.4 billion contribution to society over the last 10 years.

It’s done this by moving young people out of unemployment and into outcomes which benefit the economy. Since 1976 we have supported 825,000 young people, with three in four achieving a positive outcome – moving into education, employment or training.

By working at the grassroots, The Trust has helped generate green shoots where there might have been nothing, and these young people have gone on to be real financial benefit.

Whatever times lay ahead for the UK economy, The Prince’s Trust will be there for the next generation of young people who need our support.

Jonathan Townsend

North of England Director at The Prince’s Trust