Readers discuss royal value, road rules, seagulls and Spitting Image
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Measuring the monarchy
Charles (MetroTalk, Mon) doesn’t seem to understand that the value of the Royal Family isn’t a question of how much we spend on it per head of population, as compared to what the Irish spend on their president.
The value of the Royal Family is measured not only in helping to promote Britain as a historic tourist destination to the rest of the world but in the soft power the Royal Family provide when helping ministers and businesspeople to promote Britain as a place to invest in.
Both can be measured in billions of pounds to the British economy – for which they have far greater influence and prestige in the world than the president of Ireland. So his simple measure of cost per head of population entirely misses the point, as the Royal Family’s comparative value to the economy far outweighs the cost and represents great value for money. Paul, London
‘The terrorists failed to intimidate’, reader reminds us of London’s ‘indominable spirit’
It was right to mark the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 London suicide bombings (Metro, Tue), which killed 52 people and injured nearly 800 – some permanently maimed.
I still count myself fortunate that it was not my Tube train carriage that was blown apart that morning.
Let’s recognise the stoicism and indomitable spirit of London commuters. It was they who generally kept calm, giving first aid or reassurance to the badly wounded and fellow commuters before the arrival of the emergency services.
The terrorists failed to intimidate, as we continued to use the Tube and buses to go about our work and daily lives.
Onwards and upwards, London commuters. Jonathan, South-West London
Remembering 7/7
On its 20th anniversary it was wholly right that Metro covered the dreadful and tragic events of 7/7.
I was working in London at the time and I can recall that the shock felt by everyone was palpable.
Such a horrendous event was in terrible contrast to the day before, when hundreds of us gathered in Trafalgar Square to celebrate London winning the vote to hold the 2012 Olympic Games. HG, Maidstone
‘U-turns and dilly-dallying wont satisfy anyone’, says reader
Regarding Labour’s watered-down welfare reforms, Pedro (MetroTalk, Mon) asks why there is so much fuss about government U-turns and climbdowns, adding that isn’t it a good thing we finally have a government that listens to people?
Such views are the reason why this country is spiralling into a benefit mess.
The government must stay strong in its commitment to cut down the fiscal gap and to adopt strong measures.
These U-turns and dilly-dallying won’t satisfy anyone or the country in any way. Inbaraj, Harrow
How to protest against protesting
Steve in Hackbridge (MetroTalk, Tue) says that he wants to organise a protest about protesting because so many demonstrations are being held.
I would love to take part and I have a nice chant: ‘What do we want?’, ‘No protests’, ‘When do we want them?’, ‘Well, not now, obviously.’ Joe, Manchester
Dip-beam directives?
Is there any chance the rules of the road can be changed to include a mandatory requirement that those on two wheels learn how to find and operate the dip-beam facility on their incandescent – and seemingly often misaligned – headlamps? Tony Anderson, Chatham
Are they biblical or on the borderline?
Oasis held their first concert in 16 years at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium as part of their reunion tour – with some fans of the Gallagher brothers calling the experience ‘biblical’ (Metro, Mon).
The only ‘biblical’ thing about it is the parallel with what Cain said about Abel: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ I predict that Oasis will break up again. Sam, Bristol
Lovers or fighters? Seagull strikes sandwich
Billboards asking people to be kind to gulls have been put up by the RSPCA in Great Yarmouth, stating, ‘Gulls are lovers not fighters’ (Metro, Tue).
The ‘victimised’ birds are exposed to ‘extreme cruelty’ every three days, according to the charity. Last time I saw some, they attacked my sandwich and it was their lifestyle choice.
If they attack my food again, I will ask for them all to be sent to Rwanda. Samuel, Tooting
Heading to Edgware Road or Edgware Road?
Is it not time that one of the two Edgware Road Tube stations was renamed? I suggest the District Line station should be renamed Lisson Grove or even Chapel Town, the medieval name for the area.
There used to be two stations called Shepherd’s Bush. I had recommended that they be called Shepherd’s Bush Market and Shepherd’s Bush Central but only the former was employed. Antony Porter, London
Bringing humour to politics – ‘there’s so much material to be ridiculed’, says reader
The return of the Spitting Image show, even on YouTube rather than on regular TV, is a welcome event.
The puppets brought humour to politics and society by highlighting the foibles of so many people who probably didn’t want to be shown that way.
There is still so much material to be ridiculed, including the Royal Family, especially one former member and the uncle no one wants to be seen with.
It’s not always appropriate to point out faults in others or areas to improve, but this show has a long history of doing that so well. Bring it on.
A return of a well-written Yes Minister type of comedy-drama would also be appreciated. Dennis Fitzgerald, Australia
What happened to court-ship?
Never marry a tennis player – love means nothing to them. Richard Farrar, London
