Letters to the Editor

in a lot of hard work'

SIR, - It's a great shame that even before the exam results had been announced last week our newly elected MP, Philip Davies, should issue a statement declaring A- level passes could become 'worthless'. (Page One, Ilkley Gazette,August 18)

No doubt many anxious sixth formers would not have appreciated these comments, particularly after all the hard work (including continuous course work) which is now required over two years.

Yes, there are some issues to be addressed with A-levels but rather than make generalisations let us consider some facts. The UK economy, business etc requires our workforce to be better educated in the future. At present nearly 50 per cent of all 18-year-olds are leaving school with no A-level passes.

We should be encouraging more pupils to stay on...derogatory statements will not help the situation. The pass rate may be 97 per cent but there are vast fluctuations in the marks at different grades. Quite frankly it is not possible, as Mr Davies suggests, that a pupil who has done no work would achieve the same result as one that has worked hard.

There is much talk about the high number of pupils who achieve straight As. However, just 3.6 per cent of pupils will achieve straight three As passes.

Much of the controversy over A-levels revolves around the fact that fee paying pupils from independent schools are significantly over-represented on certain courses and universities.

Consequently, universities are under political pressure to 'widen access' to state schools and disadvantaged groups. Whether you agree with this will depend on your politics.

Finally, many young people at the last election di not vote as they felt disengaged from politics. Perhaps Philip Davies should try to engage young people more in the future.

Well done to all those who passed. It still applies that there is nothing better than an education.

PARENT OF A-LEVEL STUDENT

Burley-in-Wharfedale.

(Name and address

supplied)

Reform call

SIR, - Anyone doubting we are a totalitarian State must at least wonder after the brutal police killing of Jean Charles de Mendes. An insidious erosion of democracy and freedom is being 'engineered' by New Labour for the benefit of Establishment capitalists and enslavement of the masses.

Politicians insult our intelligence describing terrorist's attacks as 'atrocities' and State-approved killing 'tragedies'.

Both are equally evil and should be punished with the full vigour of the law. Failure to do so is immoral and exposes the hypocrisy of Blair's government.

To add further insult, police offer the victim's family £15,000 'compensation' to shut them up. Would not 'corruption' and 'bribe' be more suitable descriptions of their conduct?

The public should seek the real reasons for world turmoil and not taken in by State propaganda. More importantly they should take action to change our corrupt system of government.

How far totalitarianism progresses depends on public reaction and the Establishment watches closely to exploit weakness. If 'shoot to kill' is tolerated we already are a fascist state.

Democratic reform is essential to combat Blair's Uriah Heap style of fascism. The public must demand powers to dismiss the Prime Minister, or any other MP at any time. Not just at five-yearly General Elections.

Whilst Blair enjoys himself on a luxury yacht surrounded by a retinue of armed bodyguards, innocent people die every day in Iraq, Afghanistan and now here in the UK. It isn't him or his family who suffers or makes the sacrifices. It is us.

Malcolm Naylor

21 Grange View,

Otley.

Offer of help

SIR, - In a year when we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the ending of World War Two, it is timely to remind ourselves of the support available to all who once served in HM Armed Forces, especially those now suffering injury or loss as a result.

Of course, not all those who served, especially younger people, National Servicemen from the 50s and early 60s and Reservists, recognise themselves as veterans and therefore have no idea that they may be eligible for pension or compensation payments or other assistance.

Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, not just those who served in World War Two, is classed as a Veteran and may be eligible for pension or compensation payments or other assistance. As are dependants and those who have lost a spouse directly or indirectly through service in HM Forces.

I would urge anyone reading this who feels they may be entitled or who seeks assistance on behalf of another, to contact the Veterans Agency for advice and guidance. Call their free national Helpline (0800 169 2277) or visit their website at www.veteransagency.mod.uk

Veterans Agency is the arm of Government that pays war pensions and compensation but its support is not merely restricted to just processing claims. The Agency also manages a welfare service that can visit a veteran or widow(er) in his or her home to help with a wide range of issues including completion of claim forms, tracing next-of-kin and hospital admissions.

The agency can also identify ex-service organisations who may be able to offer help in a variety of circumstances.

If anyone in contact with the agency experiences a problem then I would ask them to contact the War Pensions Committee. Such problems are very rare these days but not unknown.

The above Helpline will help identify the nearest committee member who will be delighted to assist.

May I add that the provision of war pensions and other veteran support is not charity, rather a recognition by Government and society at large, of the contribution made by all who served their country.

Mrs Jane E Gummer

Chairman,

Yorkshire and Humberside

War Pensions Committee.

Diana legacy

SIR, - As we remember Princess Diana on the eighth anniversary of her death next Wednesday (August 31), it is rewarding to know that her legacy lives on through thousands of young people up and down the country.

More than 10,000 young people from 1,800 secondary schools in the UK now hold a Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award.

This unique award celebrates the inspirational qualities and outstanding achievements, often against the odds, of young people aged 12 to 18 by recognising the contribution they make to their schools, families, friends or communities.

Award holders include those who have been brave, overcome immense personal difficulties and tragedies, young carers, fundraisers, community workers, campaigners, peer mentors, students who make a profound contribution to their schools and fellow students. The list is endless.

The Award carries status through being external, UK-wide and a living legacy to the late Princess, celebrating the qualities she displayed in her lifetime.

It has a lasting impact on the lives of the young people who gain it and these exceptional award holders are fast becoming ambassadors for the future.

Maggie Turner

Director,

Diana, Princess of Wales

Memorial Award for

Young People,

17 Old Ford Road,

London,

E2 9PL.

Long service

SIR, - At their summer concert Aireborough Over Sixties Choir commemorated honorary life membership on two senior members.

Mrs Isobel Adams is 90 and is remembered with affection in Yeadon for singing and acting at Queen Street Methodist Church and in Guiseley where she worked. Her presentation was made by our Lady President, Mrs Marion Colehan.

Mrs Edna Brayshaw is 97 and was choir registrar for years. Edna was ill, so her presentation was made in Wharfedale General Hospital by Mrs Margaret Arnett, choir secretary and Mrs Audrey Hogg, our treasurer.

Isobel and Edna, between them, have sung in the choir for 60 years, their honours were richly deserved.

C Hardwick

Aireborough Over Sixties

Choir,

15 Hawthorn Drive,

Yeadon.