Readers' letters - July 6

No plan but what a mess
Floral tributes left in Parliament Square, London, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death. See letterFloral tributes left in Parliament Square, London, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death. See letter
Floral tributes left in Parliament Square, London, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death. See letter

I was an undecided during the EU referendum for a long time, but eventually opted for Remain as it seemed a safer option in a turbulent world. Saying that, I understand the reasons why others voted out, a protest vote, a vote for sovereignty, stricter controls on future immigration, a vote against red tape and bureaucracy... I was shocked at the result but assumed, wrongly as it happens, that there would be a plan in place for this outcome. A plan? What’s that again, say our politicians who decided to give a referendum but with no plan. Now outspoken Brexiters such as Nigel Farage are leaving without any input into any future proposals, the Tories and Labour are in disarray, stabbing each other in the back, nasty hate-filled bigots (the real ones, not ordinary people who are genuinely concerned about immigration levels/resources) are using the referendum result as an excuse to attack immigrants and now hard-working migrants who believed they could live here permanently may or may not be able to stay here in the future because no one seems to know (of course, if we really did have this ‘hard-won sovereignty’ we could tell these families they could stay). All in all, an absolute mess. Maybe we’re right to leave the EU, maybe we’re not, but there should never have been a referendum without a sensible plan in place. I’ve heard that the young (of whom only 30-odd per cent voted) blame the old people. Well, I don’t, I blame the politicians.

Jane

via email

disability

Venues must be accessible

I was appalled to read about Jade Jones’ experience at a Rihanna concert, where the British Paralympian was asked to leave the Old Trafford cricket ground venue early, as her wheelchair presented a health and safety risk. This is disability discrimination, and I cannot condemn it enough.

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The British Polio Fellowship campaigns tirelessly on this issue, as venues must be accessible for all. Given this venue works with Level Playing Field, the advisory organisation for disabled sports fans, we would have expected better. Disabled spectators pay the same price and should not have to leave early. British Polio Fellowship wheelchair users can identify with Jade’s story. Many of the 120,000 people in the UK living with Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) use a wheelchair and poor accessibility and discrimination are reported far too often. We are supporting Purple Hound, a disability champion campaigning for greater accessibility. Sadly Jade’s experience is not an isolated incident and charities cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to action on access for all. If you would like more information, please contact us at www.britishpolio.org.uk or by calling 0800 043 1935. Ted Hill MBE

CEO, The British Polio 
Fellowship


tragedy

Murder was shocking

I was shocked by the murder of Jill Cox. Our democracy still struggles to be true to its aims and aspirations, but in all parties there are people like Jill, honestly working to bring the wants and needs of her constituents into Parliamentary debate. My heart goes out to her bereaved family –and to the family of her killer who seemed to be deranged. I cannot think of anything appropriate to say but I hope for peace of mind for the husband and children left behind.

Miss E Norton

Address supplied

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