THE arguments used by Joe Hughes (Letters, November 27) to justify the UK's nuclear weapons could equally be used by every state in the world to protect themselves against attack. Presumably Mr Hughes would support another 100 or so nuclear-armed countries since he has such confidence in the deterrent effect and the outcome would be to create global security and end all wars. Or is it only justifiable for some states?
When the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was established 50 years ago, the deal was that the great majority of states would not seek to acquire nuclear weapons on condition that existing nuclear-weapon states would "undertake to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to the cessation of the nuclear arms race and at an early date nuclear disarmament". There was no serious plan for this by the nuclear powers. Over the years we saw some limited steps which are now going into reverse. Our Nato ally, the United States, has withdrawn from existing agreements and Russia is pursuing technological developments which will make submarine-based missile systems like Trident no longer invulnerable.
The British bomb was always a political project, not a defence one. That applies even more today. Ernest Bevin, the Foreign Secretary when the UK nuclear programme was started, said: "I want a bomb with a bloody big Union Jack on it." It is about trying to maintain the illusion of still being a great power. The real security threats to the UK are climate change and environmental degradation, cyber warfare, terrorism and economic decline.
But ultimately giving a handful of people the power to inflict terrible death on millions of civilians and to create environmental devastation is a moral issue.
Isobel Lindsay, Biggar.
Crowning glory?
THE current Rangers chairman has undoubtedly served the club well during his four-year tenure (Red, white and blues as Rangers lose their King", The Herald, November 27). From the ashes of a debt-ridden financial basket case a net earner has emerged on a new firm footing. In recognition of his services to the club, should he not rightly be crowned “Dave, King of the Dues”?
Duncan Graham, Stirling.
Memory store
AS given mention ("Issue of the day: Jenners on the move", The Herald, November 27) an enduring sight in boyhood days on visits to Edinburgh by train on approaching Haymarket was to note the sturdy building that was lettered Jenners Depository. One of the highlights of my visits. The name "depository" somewhat intrigued me with my father explaining, in kind, it was posh Edinburgh for the storage of furniture and whatever else for that eminent department store.
John Macnab, Falkirk.
A team game
THELMA Edwards' nostalgic comments on frugality (Letters, November 25) occasion my comment. Locally, in 1947, the then recently-formed Giffnock North AFC had four teams – North, South, East and West. Our black shorts were recycled blackout material crafted by our mothers. Similarly, our team socks were knitted by supportive family members. Sporting fashion, done frugally, featured strongly in the immediate post war years.
Allan C Steele, Giffnock.
Uberfans?
SHOULD shareholders not be happy that Uber can no longer operate in London? Its last posted financial returns showed a $5.2 billion loss in three months. By removing such a large market then it will not lose as much of the shareholders’ investment for the next quarter.
Tom Walker, Loanhead.
Far from alright
I ENJOYED David Miller’s reminiscence of the unique Chic Murray, “The Tall Droll with the Small Doll” ( Letters, November 23), but my own bête noir on annoying phrases is “Is that alright then?” used by indulgent mother to fractious child, and look forward to the natural response, “No, it’s not alright.”
Know what I mean. “Jolly dee” (used ad nauseam in the 1950s and fortunately now obsolete).
R Russell Smith, Kilbirnie.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here