See previous letters to the editor. If you would like to contact Yorkshire Bylines, email editor@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
Conspicuous by its absence
27 June 2026
Dear Editor
The present geopolitical landscape is arguably the most complex since the Second World War. It is a landscape defined by the rivalries of major powers which show scant regard for previously accepted norms. The Israeli government, in its avowed desire to eliminate what it declares are terrorist groups, is prepared to slaughter civilians in Gaza and Lebanon. Against experienced diplomatic advice, President Trump initiated a war against Iran and now struggles to draw it to a conclusion, and President Putin, of the Russian Federation, invaded Ukraine, a sovereign state, over four years ago.
The organisation, glaringly omitted from practically any mention in today’s global political machinations, is the United Nations. Life has never been easy for the UN with vetoes often successfully stifling effective action leaving the UN Assembly accused of being nothing more than a talking-shop. China, France, Russia, UK and the USA are the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. It is ironic that two of these, Russia and the USA, are at present, openly engaged in armed conflict. Civilians in the Middle East and Ukraine must be feeling anything but secure.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, and our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, should receive due recognition for leading the European support of Ukraine and resisting the attempt by President Trump to force France and the UK into direct engagement in his conflict with Iran.
With best wishes
Justin Enthoven
Pateley Bridge
Harrogate
New campaign launches on 10th Anniversary of EU referendum
23 June 2026
A new grassroots campaign has launched today to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2016 EU referendum, giving a national platform to people who voted Leave but now believe the UK should rejoin the European Union.
The Rejoiner Now campaign will bring together thousands of voters from across the political spectrum who say they have changed their minds after a decade of what they describe as “broken promises, economic damage, and declining global influence” following Brexit on 23 June 2016.
Daniel Laycock, Founder for Rejoiner Now said, “Ten years ago, millions of people voted Leave in good faith, like myself. With many who now feel let down by those broken promises.
The country was told we would have oven-ready deals and were promised economic prosperity, more money into our public services, more control of our borders and a stronger sovereign country. Instead, they’ve seen rising food and energy prices, falling investment, a stagnant economy and a Britain that feels smaller on the world stage.
Leaving the EU has left Britain poorer, more divided, and weaker.
Rejoiner Now exists to give these voters a voice. It takes courage to say you’ve changed your mind, and we want the country to hear them.”
The new campaign group says these stories will help “shift the national conversation from blame to honesty, and from division to solutions”.
Rejoiner Now argues that the 10‑year anniversary is a moment for the country to reflect on the real‑world consequences of Brexit and consider a new path.
Daniel Laycock added: “This isn’t about reliving old battles. It’s about acknowledging reality after ten years of Brexit that hasn’t delivered what was promised; more and more Leave voters are saying the same thing: it’s time to put Britain back where it belongs – back in the heart of Europe.” You can find us on Facebook, X, Instagram: rejoinernow
Kind regards
Daniel Laycock
Rejoiner Now
The importance of looking after hearing aids, especially in hot weather
23 June 2026
Dear Editor,
Around 3 million people in the UK are hearing aid users. With the temperature this week reported to reach in excess of 38C in some places, RNID, are encouraging hearing aid users to give their devices some extra TLC during the hot weather so they can soak up the sunshine without missing out on conversations.
Hearing aids can malfunction in the heat due to trapped sweat, humidity and direct sun exposure. RNID’s top five tips for hearing aid users during a heatwave:
- Avoid leaving your hearing aids in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill, as high temperatures can cause them to become damaged.
- If your hearing aids do get wet, use a hearing aid drying kit to help remove moisture. Hearing aids can be safely left in the kit overnight, when not in use, to help dry them out.
- Use hearing aid protection sleeves or sweat-wicking headbands to catch moisture to avoid damaging the hearing aid microphones.
- Wait for suncream or sprays to dry before wearing your hearing aids. The oils from these products can clog up the hearing aids microphones and cause them not to work.
- Clean your hearing aids frequently. Sweat can lead to accumulation of oils and salt that affect the hearing aids performance – make sure to wipe them with a clean, dry cloth every time you take them out.
Yours Sincerely,
Franki Oliver
Audiology Manager at RNID
Social media ban for under-16s is misguided, undemocratic and fails to tackle real issues
15 June 2026
In response to the government’s announcement today of their intention to curtail access to social media platforms for under-16s, Mark Frankel, head of public affairs at Full Fact, said:
“Protecting young people from online harms is essential, but this announcement is neither bold nor decisive. It’s a misguided, retrograde step and a de facto surrender in the fight against harmful online misinformation.
Rather than curtailing access to social media platforms to under-16s, the government should be applying far greater regulatory pressure on technology companies to dismantle addictive design features, and to place a statutory duty on them to assist users of their services in distinguishing fact from fiction online.
We know from numerous surveys that young people routinely use social media for news and information. If the government is serious about extending participation in our democratic process to 16 and 17-year-olds, restricting their access to these platforms is unlikely to help them become better informed.
It’s not the technology itself that is harmful, but the way it’s designed and marketed to ALL users of these platforms. Far from protecting young people from online harms, this ban fails to address current weaknesses in online safety legislation and gives social media companies a free pass.”
Full Fact
London
We must consider ways to raise defence funds, without cutting welfare
12 June 2026
Sir,
It is almost universally accepted that spending on defence needs to rise substantially – and urgently. This week’s resignation of John Healey and the discussion it has engendered has brought the issue of investment in defence to the top of the political agenda. More than one commentator has suggested that welfare spending will just have to be cut back in order to fund the proper defence of the realm.
Trading off welfare spending against defence spending betrays an excessive ‘zero sum’ mentality. Richard Murphy, who is professor of taxation at Sheffield University Business School has pointed up several alternative ways of raising taxation that would enable the government to leave the welfare budget intact.
According to Murphy, making modest tweaks to a whole series of current taxes has the potential to raise £90bn in additional tax revenue. For example, many wealthy people arrange for some of their income to come to them as capital gains, on which they pay tax at 20%. Charging tax on capital gains at their current marginal rate of income tax (45%) would bring in an additional £12bn, exclusively from wealthy people.
Firms that make a profit are taxed via corporation tax. Yet Murphy points out that 30% of what ought to be paid goes uncollected. His solution is to invest £1bn in re-opening local tax offices so that non-payment can be more effectively pursued. The calculation is that this could bring in a further extra £12bn. This is an excellent return on a £1bn outlay.
Murphy encourages us to think more outside the narrow box of ‘cut the welfare budget to finance defence’. He has my support.
Yours faithfully
John Cole
Baildon,
Shipley,
West Yorks
In fond memory of Michael Meadowcroft
6 June 2026
Michael Meadowcroft was a principled and tireless advocate for Yorkshire, and we are deeply saddened by his death on 1 June at the age of 84. He was a former Liberal MP for Leeds West from 1983 to 1987, a Leeds councillor and alderman, and he later worked as a journalist and political affairs consultant.
He was also a consistent and clear-sighted supporter of a One Yorkshire settlement. In an article in the Yorkshire Post back in 2020, Michael stated that dividing Yorkshire into smaller devolution deals would weaken the county’s voice, dilute its economic and political strength, and leave rural communities under-represented in decision-making. He believed that a single Yorkshire authority would give the county the scale and coherence it needed to match Scotland and to challenge Westminster and Whitehall more effectively. In effect, the government has divided Yorkshire in order to maximise its influence over policy within the county. He was right then as he is now.
His contribution to Yorkshire’s political life went well beyond constitutional questions. Through his long career in politics, journalism and democratic reform work in the UK and overseas, he brought intellect, experience and commitment to public service. His voice will be much missed, but his case for a united Yorkshire remains powerful and relevant.
Alliance for Yorkshire
Harrogate
Giving thanks to RNID’s invaluable volunteers, in celebration of Volunteers’ Week
27 May 2026
Dear Editor,
As we mark Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026), I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding volunteers whose dedication and commitment are vital to the work of RNID. Their time, skills and compassion make a real difference to the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Through our community activities across the UK, around 600 incredible RNID volunteers take part in a diverse range of activities, helping us make life fully inclusive for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Our dedicated volunteers not only provide hearing aid maintenance, information on hearing loss and tinnitus at our RNID Near You drop-in sessions across the country, they also act as ambassadors by giving talks to local groups and organisations, helping to raise awareness of our work.
Over the past year alone, RNID volunteers have given more than 18,000 hours of their time, helping us to reach more than 47,000 people across the UK – which is a truly remarkable achievement, and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contribution.
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re inviting anyone who wants to make a valuable difference to the lives of people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus to sign up to volunteer with us by visiting rnid.org.uk/volunteer.
Yours sincerely,
Victoria Owen
Head of Development and Volunteering
RNID
Take the RNID survey to help improve public transport
02 April 2026
Dear Editor,
Public transport is an essential part of everyday life, but for people who are deaf or have hearing loss – journeys by services like trains, buses or ferries can be a huge challenge.
Inaccessible audio announcements, a lack of deaf awareness amongst staff and no signed information for deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users are all barriers that can lead to stress, missed journeys and seriously affect people’s confidence when using public transport.
That’s why RNID is asking people who are deaf and have hearing loss to take part in a major survey. Whether you use public transport regularly, or avoid it altogether, your answers will be invaluable and help us work with transport providers, policymakers and technology companies to push for real, lasting improvements.
The survey, which closes on the 13th April, is part of a major project funded by the Motability Foundation and can be accessed here: www.rnid.org.uk/transport-survey
Kind regards,
Victoria Boelman,
Director of Insight and Policy,
RNID – the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
RNID tools help make workplaces more hearing inclusive
25 March 2026
Dear Editor,
There are nine million adults of working age in the UK that have hearing loss in one or both ears. Chances are, they could be your colleague, someone in your team, or your manager.
A quarter of deaf people say that they have experienced negative attitudes and behaviour from work colleagues – and this almost doubles for British Sign Language (BSL) users, according to our research. However, over half of the general public told us they want to learn how to communicate well with people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
With some helpful tools and tips for the workplace from RNID, creating an inclusive workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple gestures – like making conversations, meetings, and information easy for everyone to access, and using clear inclusive language – help create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
If you run a business, or know someone who does, ask them to sign up to receive our free resources at https://rnid.uk/InclusiveWorkplace to help your team become more deaf aware. Join us in showing that supporting colleagues who are deaf or have hearing loss really does matter.
Sincerely,
Frankie Garforth
Inclusion Programme Lead at RNID
Why we should not ditch Net Zero – or vote for politicians who would
22 March 2026
Dear Editor
A recent report by Breathe Cities shows that London, San Francisco and Beijing have achieved ‘remarkable’ reductions in air pollution and have dramatically cut levels of two ‘airway-aggravating pollutants’ by over 20% since 2010. Nearly 100 cities throughout the world were analysed, of which 19 passed the test. China and Hong Kong account for 9 of these, the rest are in Europe except for San Francisco, the only city in the US.
“This report shows that cities can achieve what was once thought impossible: cutting toxic air pollution by 20-45% in a little over a decade,” says Cecilia Vaca Jones, executive director of Breathe Cities.
It is no coincidence that the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who has made cleaning the air of the metropolis a priority, became mayor in May 2016, a decade ago.
Dr Gary Fuller, an air pollution scientist at Imperial College, London, says, “Air pollution is often presented as a problem that is too difficult to solve and one that is politically unpopular.”
Sadiq Khan has had to withstand continual criticism from the right-wing press and the Conservative and Reform UK parties. There is mounting pressure from politicians on both sides of the Atlantic to abandon the Net Zero target and measures to achieve it.
Those thinking of voting for the Tory or Reform UK parties, should think very carefully first. Do they really want to halt the drive to clean up the air we breathe and condemn, especially children, to an increase in asthma and related illnesses?
With best wishes
Justin Enthoven
Pateley Bridge
US government’s spending priorities are appalling
16 March 2026
Sir,
I write to protest at the appalling spending priorities of the US government.
Last year, with just a month left of the annual budget period, the Defence Department had a $93.4bn underspend in its budget, that it would be obliged to return to the federal budget authorities.
The reaction of the Defence Department was to go on a spending spree that included:
- $93,000 spent on a Steinway grand piano for the air force Chief of Staff
- $2mn on Alaskan crab
- $6.9mn on lobster tails
- $15mn on rib-eye steak in the last budget month alone.
At the same time that the Pentagon was engaged in this self-indulgent spending the federal government was engaged in removing one million previous recipients from the Affordable Care Act, with an ambition to remove a further four million.
The state has a Food Stamp Programme to tackle food poverty amongst the poorest. In this period the Programme was not operational (for a month) due to lack of staff.
All this occurred in the 2024/5 budget period. Since then the USA has engaged in a ‘special military operation’* in Iran that costs $11bn per week.
Yours faithfully
John Cole
Shipley
* I cannot badge this as a war because only Congress can declare war – and this has not happened.
Hospital care for vulnerable dementia patients must be a national priority
17 February 2026
Dear Editor,
As the Founder & Chairman of Dementia Club UK a registered charity, I work every week with carers across the country who share their experiences of supporting loved ones living with dementia. One issue is raised repeatedly and with deep distress: rapid deterioration during hospital stays.
Families describe how a person with dementia is admitted for what may be a relatively straightforward health issue yet experiences significant decline during prolonged admissions. Delayed triage and discharge processes can leave vulnerable patients in busy acute wards for extended periods. Without consistent encouragement to eat and drink, reassurance, stimulation, and support to mobilise appropriately, deterioration can accelerate quickly.
Carers also report that symptoms of dementia are sometimes misinterpreted as new or separate medical conditions, leading to further investigations and longer stays. The stress of the hospital environment itself can compound confusion and disorientation.
This concern was raised in parliament during the House of Commons debate on Dementia Care in Hospital on 6 March 2024, where it was acknowledged that, despite dementia-friendly initiatives and staff training, care can still fall short.
My own mother, who lived with dementia, sadly passed away in hospital. I therefore understand first-hand how vulnerable a person with dementia can become within an acute setting, particularly when family are not always able to be present.
Through both personal experience and testimonies shared in our weekly carer group sessions, it has become clear that delayed discharge should be recognised as a clinical risk for people living with dementia.
I have launched a national petition calling for dementia to be prioritised in hospital triage and discharge pathways.
I urge readers to read and sign the petition at: https://go2dementiaclub.uk/prioritypetition
Families should not have to fight systems while watching their loved one deteriorate.
Lisa Rutter
Founder and Chairman
Dementia Club UK
{Editor’s note: the link for the petition has now been corrected]
Time to hold the government to account for failure on lack of sanctions against Israel
13 February 2026
Dear Editor,
In June 2025 the government imposed sanctions on named Israelis. It cannot be established whether the sanctions have had any effect because data protection prevents this from being disclosed.
Given that the government of the state of Israel and individuals have maintained their quest for retribution against Palestinians it is clear that sanctions on individuals have had no effect whatsoever.
It is my belief that the time has come for sanctions to be imposed on the state of Israel. The Guardian has reported that Jewish figures from around the world want sanctions to be imposed on the state of Israel.
In October 2025 a UK government petition closed with the government stating:
“We believe the quickest, most effective way to end the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza is not through trade sanctions, but through ensuring the success of the peace initiative currently under way.”
It is clear that the ‘peace initiative’ if that is what it is called, is skewed heavily in favour of the dominant powers. Trade sanctions would impact the UK economy and it is clear the government with the response it gave is not prepared to run that risk-hence complicity continues.
Given the continued failing nature of this peace initiative (check out the UN situation reports on Gaza), I believe it is time for another petition aimed at holding the government to account for its continued inaction.
Please sign the petition: Support Patrick Wright’s petition – Petitions.
Regards
Patrick Wright
Charity says choose cage-free eggs this Pancake Day
11 February 2026
Dear Editor
This Pancake Day, many UK shoppers may be surprised to learn that around an estimated 7.4 million egg-laying hens still spend their lives in cramped cages. While battery cages were banned in 2012, many were simply replaced by so-called ‘enriched cages’ which give each hen around the same space as the size of a large pancake.
The good news is we know people want better for hens, with 85% of UK adults saying it’s important that farmed animals are reared to higher welfare standards. And there has been great progress – 83% of eggs produced in the UK are now from cage-free hens.
So this Pancake Day, please help keep up the momentum by choosing eggs with the RSPCA Assured label. This means your eggs have come from a farm meeting more than 700 higher welfare standards, and where hens are free to move, stretch their wings, perch and forage, whether they’re kept indoors or out.
By looking for the RSPCA Assured label, you’re not just supporting higher welfare farming today, you’re also helping to consign eggs from caged hens to the past – for good.
You can also show your support by filling out the RSPCA’s quick and simple online form to urge the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ban all cages for laying hens. It takes just one minute to complete.
If you want to see more higher welfare food choices in your local shop, you can ask your supermarket on the RSPCA Assured website.
Allan Pearson
Farming and technical engagement manager, RSPCA Assured
Encouraging tinnitus sufferers to seek help
28 January 2026
Dear Editor,
As we mark Tinnitus Week (2 – 8 February), we know that for many people with tinnitus, it’s not just a hum in the background, but something that can make everyday life a challenge.
Despite tinnitus being more common than most people realise with one in seven adults experiencing it, too many are still left confused, worried or unsure of where to turn for help. Through our new research, two thirds (66%) of people with tinnitus told us it can impact their stress levels, while half (51%) said it makes them feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Thankfully with the right support, lots of people can live well with tinnitus. There are many practical ways to manage each person’s needs, such as talking therapies, hearing aids, or mindfulness.
No one should face tinnitus alone. If you’re finding your tinnitus difficult to manage or you’re worried about someone close to you, we’re here to help. RNID’s free online tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus offers plenty of helpful information, practical tips and advice to help you live a good, balanced life with tinnitus.
Sincerely,
Franki Oliver
Audiology Manager at RNID
In praise of showing empathy for stammerers
26 January 2026
Dear Editor
I am not a follower of The Traitors, but I do try to keep abreast of all the excellent work that David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, is involved with. His work and achievements are very wide-ranging covering housing, adult skills funding, transport, regeneration of our high streets, neighbourhood policing, and moorland fire prevention.
When I have heard him speak, David Skaith comes across as a very energetic committed, honest and realistic person, not making the vague promises so often in evidence with politicians.
His personal honesty and transparency were very clearly expressed in his praise for a contestant on The Traitors, Jessie Stride, who has a stammer, revealing the fact that he himself has a stammer. One can only imagine how difficult this must be for our mayor who must have to speak in public every day.
The charity STAMMA praised both Jessie Stride for raising awareness of stammering, and her fellow contestants for showing sensitivity and patience in “just waiting to let her speak.” This is in sharp contrast to the mocking, from some members of the opposition, that Ed Balls, as a minister, received at times in the House of Commons when speaking at the Dispatch Box. One must hope that greater awareness of this impediment will improve understanding and sensitivity.
With best wishes
Justin Enthoven
Harrogate
U3A helps keep active and combat loneliness
13 January 2026
Loneliness can affect people at any stage of life, but for those who are retired or experiencing major life changes, opportunities for social connection can become limited. The u3a movement is helping to change that by offering a welcoming community where people can learn, share interests and build friendships.
Across the UK, u3a groups provide a wide range of activities led by members, for members, from walking groups, book clubs and history discussions to art, languages, science and digital skills. The emphasis is on learning for pleasure and, just as importantly, on social connection.
Research shows that regular social interaction can improve mental well-being, confidence and overall quality of life. For many members, joining their local u3a has been a turning point, which the testimonials below clearly show:
“I love being part of u3a, most importantly because I enjoy the company. The activities are great, and they’re keeping me busy. It’s nice to meet people from all different backgrounds because everyone brings something different to u3a.”
“When I retired, I was an introvert, u3a has brought me out of my shell. Joining u3a has given me the impetus to get out and learn more about different subjects. I socialise more now than I ever have done.”
“We moved here before we retired, and we didn’t know a soul. u3a was the thing that gave me all my friends”
u3a is open to anyone no longer in full-time employment, regardless of educational background. There are no exams, no qualifications and no pressure, just curiosity, companionship and community.
Local u3a groups are always keen to welcome new members and to reach people who may be feeling lonely but unsure where to turn.
To learn more about u3a and find your local group, visit u3a.org.uk
