We want to hear your views

Government asylum policy

The UK joining the Euro is similar to connecting a generator onto the national grid, like our economy, the generator must satisfy five stringent tests before being connected and then it becomes locked-in with only limited influence. Should it be connected at the wrong time the sudden shock is liable to blow it out of its foundations. If some generators then start to run out of steam the others have to take an unfair share of the load. It is just as well that Blair and Brown don't control our national grid, to pass the tests at one moment then press the button to connect months later could be a recipe for years of darkness.
Brian Christley, UK (Wales)

I was disappointed that the issue of where these asylum centres was not discussed more. I live in an area where one is to be located. The Refugee Council consider the site unsuitable but the government are not listening. The Refugee Council is a government sponsored organisation set up to advise them. It would appear to be another quango - what a waste of money.
Nicola Hewitt, Britain

Most Britons are sympathetic to genuine asylum seekers, the real and increasing resentment is towards resources being targeted to economic migrants, these people are not in fear of their lives from their state and do not meet the legal definition, they should be deported quickly. Major parties ignoring these issues are driving people to the BNP.
Chris Humpleby, England

I feel countries should talk to each other and discuss problems they are having Howard Mayers

You interviewed a fellow from Cameroon called "Jacques" on the programme today. It appears that you did not ask the obvious questions "How & why did he come to Britain instead of France, surely the more obvious choice for a French speaker from a former French colony?" I have no objection to immigrants as long as the burden is shared equally by European nations, which is not the case at present.
John R Williams, England

Having gained enough "transferable skills" since graduating, I am now looking to turn my love of and Degree in politics into somewhat of a career - I think your show is fantastic although Holllyoaks does have the girls!
Alex Milner, Uk

I live in a high rise block of 464 one and two bedroom flats - it is like a prison I would love to live at RAF Newton in the country and not here in a dust and fume polluted Nottingham city centre, but I do not have a choice I am trapped. RAF Newton should be developed for a comunity like my age group of 50+.
Michelle, Nottingham

The problem is much bigger than even the government realise or can cope with Tim Dodge

Regarding asylum seekers, I think there are too many allowed in this country. And for David Blunkett to say the asylum seekers don't see this country as a soft touch, is nonsense.
Roy, Leamington

I would like to know if Abbas Amini, the asylum seeker living in Nottingham, had his benefits stopped for the period he was in hospital with his mouth eyes etc sewn up, as he would not be available for work? A born and bred UK citizen would have had this stopped, this is from personal experience, when I was out of work I had to prove that I was available for work every day.
Mark, Derbyshire

David Blunkett is adopting a sensible approach to the problem of immigration to the UK but the problem is much bigger than even the government realise or can cope with - because they admit they have no idea what the real figures of illegal immigrants are.
Tim Dodge, Wales

It appears the home secretary is being tough on asylum seekers without being tough on the causes of seeking asylum Edward Mungure

I think that the Channel Tunnel and the Channel are the motorways for asylum seekers. I am not saying they should be shut or anything like that but if the government wants to cut down on asylum seekers they should increase the amount of security / inspection of vehicles and trains making the crossing to England. Therefore increasing the chance of finding stowaways and doing something about them. Although I am saying this I also feel countries should talk to each other and discuss problems they are having.
Howard Mayers, England

After that show I was shocked. Since my marriage in last November I tried to apply remain in UK. There is no reply so far. I waited for my visa for a year to sign my permanent contract. I have a nice job, high qualification, pay tax and I make contribution in this society. Then I have no support. These people doing nothing and get all these kind of support. That is not fair.
Esther Fang, China

On the issue of asylum, it appears the home secretary is being tough on asylum seekers without being tough on the causes of seeking asylum. He is putting the cart before the horse and is doomed to fail. Imposing sanctions on countries, unfair trade (e.g. agricultural subsidies by EU countries, USA export subsidies), fraternising with corrupt governments, arms trade (particularly with governments that can not afford them), poverty - finding fairer solutions to these problems would find a solution to asylum problems.
Edward Mungure, UK

Fluoride or not

If any of the advocates of water fluoridation had suffered the severe and debilitating symptoms which I have experienced over the past 19 years as a result of ingesting fluoride, I'm sure they would not be so keen to inflict it on anyone. I was ill for 2 years before I discovered by chance that fluoride was the cause and "cured" after 2 days of drinking unfluoridated water. The only time I suffer the set of symptoms now is if I inadvertently ingest fluoride. I have to avoid bottled waters which contain fluoride and anything else I can which contains the noxious substance. Eating out or at friends' houses is "dangerous" and my whole life is affected. I believe it affects my metabolism by interfering with enzyme action but no-one in power is prepared to investigate these matters. Education about dental health and proper treatment is far more effective than risking the health of the rest of us.
Jan Burnside, England

I watched the "fluoride" debate with great interest, and although it was well presented, I was disappointed that there was very little content on the alleged long term effects of fluoride consumption, such as links to higher incidences of arthritis. There are clearly arguments for and against fluoridation of water. The quote of the M.P. who suggested people could buy bottled water or filters were laughable and would indicate that the lady concerned (I can't remember her name) is out of touch with reality. Surely, if fluoridation is as effective for children's teeth as some claim, the health authorities could simply supply a fluoridated drink to children in school. I believe that some education authorities already do this in milk, although it is paid for by parents. If it were provided free then parents would have the choice as to whether or not their children have the drink. Fluoridation would then be concentrated where it is needed, or at least wanted, rather than wasting money by fluoridating millions of gallons of water which gets used for washing and flushing toilets. In addition your programme made little mention of other European countries who don't believe fluoridation to be of any benefit. In fact the Swiss have reportedly abandoned their fluoridation programme quite recently as it didn't work.
Bill Wheeler, England

Yes to fluoridation of all water supplies to a scientifically determined level designed to reduce dental problems for children - the noisy grandmother whom you featured today has neither credibility or knowledge and has NO public vote. Action on this matter is very very long delayed and it is about time the Govt tackled it hard.
James, England

People whose children need fluoride to prevent tooth decay, are quite welcome to add it to their own drinking water. They have no right to force everyone else to drink fluoride. Aspirin has been shown to help prevent heart attacks. What next, addition of aspirin to water supplies in areas which have a high incidence of heart problems.
Keith Wiseman, England

I do not want fluoride in my water. The sodium fluoride they use is extremely toxic and almost impossible to remove. Anyone who has an immune disease such as cancer cannot get well if they are drinking fluoridated water. This is more than a matter of being denied the right to refuse medication. At the very time they are incurring extra expense and less income they have to spend hundreds of pounds to remove the fluoride. This is outrageous.
Lisa Mountain, UK

I and my family live in Lincolnshire where the water is fluoridated. Three members of my family including myself, have a thyroid disorder that is still unresolved after several years of medication adjustment. Following a recent trawl of the Internet I have discovered this problem is likely to be due to water fluoridation as the fluoride interferes with the uptake of thyroxin medication. I understand thyroid disorders are very common in this country so I can only assume the problems we are having in this family will be multiplied throughout the country if fluoride is added on a national scale. Needless to say, this family is opposed to the addition of fluoride to the water supply. If fluoride is so beneficial to the health of a child's teeth then why not paint it on as some dentists do, or add it to the juices children drink? In the long term education is a better preventative than any untested, mass medication as proposed by this government. That we need added chemicals to disinfect the water supply is well understood, although sales of water filters and bottled water show just how undesirable it is, but fluoride is not a life saving measure and should not be treated as such.
Mrs. M. Page, Lincolnshire

I strongly oppose any fluoridisation of the water that we drink in this country. I can not believe that this government is not taking into account that the dentists are ripping them of. the high rate of tooth decay in the northwest is probable due to the corrupt dentists who simply fill kids teeth with metal so that they can buy that flash big car and house. Was it not true that a survey found that dentists in the north where giving kids fillings that where not needed. I personally will not pay my water bill if this proposal becomes national. I will be unable to afford bottled water and the water bill. This is an attempt at compulsory medication. In a democracy I should have a choice.
David Bennett, UK

Fluoride? NO,NO,NO! There is more than enough pollution of various kinds in our food and water. Those who need fluoride treatment for their teeth, or whatever, can get it from many toothpastes, or in tablet form, without compelling those of us who don't need or want it to be forcibly medicated. We all pay enough for our water without having to drink a cocktail of poisonous industrial waste for the privilege. Maybe the Ministers concerned will see to it that those people who should buy bottled water will also be exempted from paying any Water Rates?
Anon. Currently in Oz

We do not need to put fluoride in the local water supplies, there are plenty of special toothpastes on sale which can do the job of protecting children, there are already too many chemicals in the water we drink, in fact I will no longer drink tap water as it tastes disgusting, you can even smell the chemicals in it, I am a senior citizen and remember when you could drink water without being poisoned.
Sybil Coulson, England

If Fluoride can be added to toothpaste where people have a free choice of which brand to buy there is no need to put it in the water.
Anon, Hong Kong

NO! Fluoride is a waste product of nuclear materials processing and has no place in anyone's body. It's poison.
Ross Randrup, USA

Was the Eurovision Song Contest vote Europe's referendum on Great Britain?
Brian Christley, UK

We are told that each member of the cabinet read each page of the assessment of the five economic tests but we haven't been told how many understood them; therefore shouldn't their knowledge on the subject be assessed (tested) by a special edition of "The Weakest Link"? The winner could then be asked whether or not we should have a referendum! Our knowledge of the assessment and of the cabinet would also be enhanced
Brian Christley, Wales

We should have a number of referenda at the same time as the Euro. To both save money on ballet papers and give a vote on issues such as Votes at 16, Candidates at 18, the European Constitution, NHS foundation Trusts, Elected Regional Assemblies and other important issues that not only change our constitution but transfer ownership from the people. Only the People can Decide. We need to Listen and Represent the peoples view on such Nationally Important changes. We need modernisation but Politicians need to be Representatives and not Managers.
Samuel J Margrave

Most interesting person Mr Hain. He is an anti-apartheid South African who forgot to go home when apartheid ended
Brian Christley, Wales

Thank goodness this issue has come to the attention of the general public at last, and we can thank your interviewer of Peter Hain for exposing with surgical skill the arrogant scheming nature of what has been going on. The people are going to get very very angry about this, but let's hope people are not prepared to be hood-winked by Blair who will pretend he is against the more extreme aspects of the changes. We must stop euro-federalism in its tracks, prepare to withdraw from the EU - preferably before the gold reserves are transferred to Brussels!
David Scott, UK

I'm at a loss to know why Oliver Letwin MP. was allowed to do, what amounted to a 'party political broadcast' for the Tories, when he was supposed to be comparing the thoughts and ideals of Abraham Lincoln to the conservative party's new thinking for future policies. He was allowed to go on in a way that cast a shadow over the whole programme. Further; Jeremy Vine stated at the start of the item that "we" (the BBC), had bought him a flight ticket to the USA Come on now I think that is going too far.
Mr. P. Smith, England

Peter Hain says that previous governments did not hold referenda on European issues, Surely, now is the time to put that right and give us a chance to vote oh all these treaties together. He says we can stop waving our placards. What does he suggest? The European equivalent of digging up cricket pitches to get our voice heard?
Keith Wieman, Bury, Lancs, England

These socialists really take the biscuit. To join the euro, to stay in the E.U. has nothing to do with anything but, sovereignty. If we stay in, then we have to sign up fully to all E.U. treaties. If we wish to regain our independence, then we have to pull out. A simple question-answer complicated by idiots.
Paul Voce

Re-the euro debate. there is no doubt that the euro will one day be upon us, why can we not accept the euro as an alternative currency to run together with the �, and have the best of both worlds. That way we get the benefits without the so called threat to the UK � etc peter
peter Watkins, UK

I realise that what I'm going to comment on is now a week past, but I couldn't let Sion Simon's arguments in favour of the Euro (The Politics Show, 11/05/03) go without pointing out their folly. Firstly, he stated that he 'shouldn't have to make the case for Euro entry,' because it was so 'obvious,' which is typically New Labour, in that it arrogantly assumes that there are no valid opinions but the opinions he himself holds. New Labour doesn't seem to be able to comprehend that there is intellectual life outside the Third Way. He then went on to contend that 'there are only two coherent reasons for opposing Euro entry,' which in his opinion are 'fear, distrust [and] dislike of foreigners; [and] a lack of faith or confidence in our own character and institutions.' Nothing about economic problems resulting from the loss of control over monetary policy, or a democratic deficit resulting from the loss of control over those who govern us. These, for most, are the primary reasons to reject Euro entry, not any kind of xenophobia or lack of self-confidence. Of course, his arguments were rounded off in another fashion typical of New Labour: using a symbol to cover up for the vacuity of the argument. Walking down the streets of Britain with a British Bulldog really was a rather pathetic attempt to trick us into seeing him and his arguments as patriotic. Does Mr Simon really not realise that we understand perfectly well that he probably spent time thinking about how he could use a dog as a prop to make us more inclined to warm to his views, and end up laughing at him as a result? If he doesn't, then New Labour has more to worry about than even I thought.
Adam Brownbridge, England

I come from a village which is limited in public transport, if I wanted to work in using public transport in the main town I would only get into work for about 3 hours on Saturday. This was 15 years ago and the village has expanded, even today there is only one bus for those 3 hours. How do you expect people to work with an appalling public transport network. In this world you have to own a car because its reliable you actually go door to door, no public transport system will be able to replace this, people don't; want to have to change from bus to train then back on to a bus it takes longer and its unreliable this is why people don't use it.
Ed Knight, England

I use my car between Cambridge and London simply because it is SO MUCH cheaper. Yesterday (Thursday) I went site seeing in London with 3 family members. We wanted to start as early as possible to make the most of the day (i.e. start at peak time). By train it would have cost us four times �28.5 (WAGN price for a peak time travel card to Kings Cross), a staggering �114!!! So we took my car, left at 8:00am, arrived in Camden town at 9:30, left the car in a car park (�10 a day), took a four zone 1-2 travel cards (�4.10 each) and if I estimate that we spent about �10 on petrol, it settles the price of our travel at �36.4. Anyway you look at it, it is MUCH cheaper. Even if I had decided to travel alone, I would have had to pay �24.10 (�4 less than a travel card)! This doesn't make any sense at all, how can I ever be tempted to use the train? And I do not even mention the problems of cancellation, delays, overcrowding etc. As long as the train system is thought off as a money making machine and not as a service for the community, I won't be able to take it.
Guilaine Veneziani, UK

Why not have the Swiss or Japanese run or at least give consultation on how to run the railroads. My country the USA needs help also. At least freight is doing well in both countries.
James Sanchez, USA

The proposed increases to train fares and the inevitable road pricing which the increase in congestion around London will cause has potentially disastrous implications for the SE economy. Many people like me must be considering leaving the UK altogether as the rising cost of commuting, council tax (now �1500 to live in a 3 bed semi in Surrey!), congestion charges and falling wages due to the recession means that the sums simply no longer add up. The best way for the government to prevent a mass exodus from the UK is to introduce massive tax incentives for businesses which encourage home working. We do not crowd on to cattle trucks out of stupidity but because our employers demand that we do so. If fewer people have to travel to work, not only will our train journeys be more humane, but our roads quieter and the entire SE economy, more secure.
Catherine Dibble, UK

Massive investment was required in the railways to bring them up to an international standard and to alleviate road congestion. This did not happen. Nor did renationalisation of the railways, which was promised by Labour in opposition. Though British Rail lagged far behind its European counterparts, it was far superior to the present fragmented system. As for the Euro, the sooner the better in my opinion, but at the rate things are going it will probably be never. When will this country ever wake up and join the modern world?
Peter, England

Why is Darling's hair white, yet his eyebrows are black???
George Fulton, UK

Proportional representation for Bristol? Forget it! We had that out here in Yate a couple of years back. I recall the ballot form with lists of names I of whom I had no idea who they were .I was also aware that as I cast my vote I was, in fact, voting by the trickle down system for parties and candidates of I did not approve of .Little parties had better get real. They lack support because the Electorate don't want them. It's as simple as that. Leave the system as it is.
Keith Kettlewell, England

It's all very well, but where would it end? Will the police be asking for nightclubs to pay for policing the city centre at 2.00 am, when they release hundreds of drunken revellers? This scenario could be applied to a lot of other institutions. Secondly, the police do a bad job. They escape criticism every time trouble occurs, yet when games pass off with no trouble, they are quick to take the credit. At the Blades/Owls game at the Lane. Four flares were fired from one area of the ground. The first is preventable, there is NO EXCUSE for the other three, the police did not react, did not even enter the stand in question, what are we paying for? They are useless.
Jonathan Reaney, England.

The Regional Assemblies have now been operating for over a year; given the level of devolution being considered by the Government, would it possible for a section of your programme to review their work to date, ascertain what targets they set for positive action and whether they have been successful
Stephen Pope, England

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