Readers' letters

In response to Steven Moss’ defence of Jeremy Corbyn (WEP August 25), as I wasn’t on the train I have no idea whether the train he caught was full but it has become clear that it wasn’t and there were seats available. However, overcrowding does occur and for the simple fact that the privatised railway is extremely popular and, even though there are more and faster trains with more seats, the growth in demand is outstripping supply.

However, help is on the way. Under this Government, around £5.7bn is being spent on building new higher capacity express trains for the East Coast and Western Region.

Indeed some have already been built.

In addition, new fleets of trains are being built for Transpennine Express and Northern, resulting in the removal of Pacers.

(I could add the entire fleet of trains in East Anglia is also being replaced by brand new trains et cetera, et cetera).

Almost all these new trains are being built in this country. Jeremy Corbyn and his supporters are simply wrong and talk of a ‘hate campaign’ is ridiculous.

Nationalisation of the rail network and removing all private provision from the NHS, apart from being economically illiterate, would simply take away resources from education, welfare, Local Government, and so 
on.

Neil Cartwright

via email

politics

A metaphor for Labour

At long last the grown-ups seem to be in charge in 10 Downing Street.

Nothing matters more to the majority of people than quiet competence.

It’s a safe bet that the words ‘quiet competence’ will never be applied to Mr Corbyn and those around him.

Mr Corbyn is meant to be the leader of a once great party.

At its best, the Labour Party lifted millions of working-class Britons out of poverty and helped to lead the fight against Nazi Germany but all that is forgotten now.

These days Labour have been reduced to squatting in a train corridor, even though there were seats available further down the carriage.

There is surely a metaphor in there somewhere.

Alan Thompson

Address supplied


politics

Jeremy was obeying rules

There has been much controversy about Jeremy Corbyn passing empty seats on his recent rail journey when he had to sit on the floor. Those who have criticised need to be a little more observant.

Most, if not all, the vacant seats have reserved tickets on them, for which the passenger has to pay a premium, so Jeremy was just following the rules not to occupy reserved seats.

Fred Hodson

Address supplied


sport

No room even for a logo

Swimwear manufacturer Speedo is dropping its sponsorship of the disgraced US Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, who was economical with the truth about being robbed at gunpoint, in Rio.

The way some of these Speedos seem to get skimpier, it’s surprising that there is room on them for the manufacturer’s logo!

A Shipman

via email