Readers' letters - August 4

It has been wisely said that political parties lose elections, they do not win them.

The widespread feeling that Jeremy Corbyn cannot be trusted has been borne out by his election promise to pay off student debt, followed by a rapid denial after the vote.

As cynical political bribes go this was a peach, but only the naive young and Labour’s core vote fell for it, so he got his way and lost.

Then the Tories, apparently equally keen to lose the election, tried to introduce numerous unpopular or irrelevant policies rather than concentrating on the mandate they already had – to leave the EU.

Determined to emulate their election losing streak in Government, they now roll out Michael Gove’s truly bonkers ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040. No one in Mr Gove’s ministry seems to have realised the enormous economic consequences.

The UK will need a expansion of our electricity generation capacity on a scale we have never managed in the past. Nuclear, like Hinckley Point C, cannot be built fast enough, so that means new coal and gas-fired generators because wind turbines are too intermittent to rely on. On top of almost doubling our existing (inadequate) generation capacity, the grid itself will have to be expanded and rebuilt. In addition, barring the roads, almost the entire road transport sector and all its energy infrastructure will have to be replaced in 23 years. It’s just not feasible.

And a realistic cost must be in excess of £600bn. It makes leaving the EU without a deal a piece of cake.

Nick Martinek

Address supplied

Female players set an example

As are so many others, I have to admit I am an ardent supporter of soccer but many aspects of this great sport cause me considerable annoyance.

I nominate three especially – the hugely obscene wages the top players receive, the lack of loyalty shown to the club for whom they are contracted and also the excessive greed when an opportunity arises for them to be transferred elsewhere.

What a contrast with the England women’s team and their on-the-field conduct.

I wish to record the joy it was to watch a good deal of the Euro women’s match featuring England and Portugal.

The players did not spit habitually. It was apparent that no-one ‘feigned’ an injury and, prior to the match, the teams chatted to each other in what appeared to be a most convivial manner.

Well done, ladies.

Ruthven Urquhart

Address supplied

Extra health staff is good news

The announcement by Jeremy Hunt that an extra 21,000 mental health workers are to be recruited can only be received as a positive thing.

If the extra staff being recruited means that the mentally ill will receive better treatment, for example not having to first suffer attending an A&E department, then I welcome more help.

It may even encourage those suffering without a diagnosis to approach their GP or Community Mental Health crisis teams.

Joseph

Nicholson

via email

Puzzling over electricity supply

Imagine the scenario.

The year is 2040.

It’s a cold winter’s night, following a cloudy day with little wind. Coronation Street (assuming that it’s still on) has just ended and families are rushing to the kitchen to make a hot drink before the next programme starts.

The central heating system is pumping merrily away and the family car is plugged into the mains to charge the battery for the following day.

Question... where is all this electrical power going to come from?

David

Craggs

Address supplied