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June 10, 2010

EDITORIAL
Editor KEN MORLEY Acting News Editor CHRIS MOSS Reporter DAN PHILLIPS Sports Editor ALAN SCOTT Sports Reporter DAVID RIMMER NEWSROOM (01279) 451545
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Aid ships attacked in international waters

SIR, Robert Halfon claims the media presented a one-sided view' of the disastrous Israeli storming of the Gaza relief ships (Star, June 3). On the contrary, the media, cowed by what they know will be instant blanket condemnation from all Israeli organisations, presented a mealy-mouthed on-the-fence view of what happened. Halfon claims that all would have been well if the flotilla had only obeyed orders to stop and unload its cargo. The ships when invaded were sailing in international waters, not in Israeli territory. Those on board were an international group of Palestinian sympathisers and, in spite of Israeli bluster, no weapons were found on board. The passengers offered no resistance on five of the ships. On the sixth a small group waited with improvised weapons sticks and poles. The Israeli commandos had machine guns as well as tasers and rubber bullets which, according to a British passenger, they fired at anyone a bit slow to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

email: star@hertsessexnews.co.uk

Council shouldnt spend our money on trips to Europe

SIR, As a former member of the European New Town Platform I am aware of how successful our relation has been in securing European money for local projects in the past. The process was that Harlow would make joint bids with other towns in Europe and thats why, via our old regeneration unit, we joined the ENTP. But the EU changed the application process over three years ago and I now question why the council is still a paying partner, let alone the president. Our Conservative-run council, under the leadership of Andrew Johnson, appears to have decided that Harlow officers time and resources can be used to support the role of the president of the ENTP. It appears the only source of information about this decision is from a Tory twitter website. Currently, Harlow Council has lost it way on the development of the town centre. It has been a major player in the development of the much-delayed Leisurezone and has overseen the destruction of most of the local community group by withdrawing funding and support. We also know the Government is talking about a massive reduction in spending on the public sector. So with all this happening, why is the leader of Harlow Council the president of a European organisation that we, the local taxpayer, have to pay for with no visible benefits to Harlow? Why is he spending money he claims the council hasnt got on trips to Greece with a council officer? When I was part of the ENTP the president was in Brussels every month attending some meeting or formal do. So who pays for our leaders travel and hotel bills? And while hes away who is in charge? This is simply crazy. We have a Tory council that claims it has no money and is closing down services but its leadership can afford overseas trips. The solution is simple. Either Mr Johnson gives up his role as president and work for Harlow or he should be sacked as the leader of Harlow Council to enable him to spend more time in Brussels. Councillor Tony Durcan Rundells, Harlow on overseas recruitment, particularly attracting employees from central and eastern Europe. As most people in Harlow and the villages well know, my opposition to a second runway at Stansted is shared by thousands across the constituency. It is something I campaigned for in three general elections. Ultimately, issues like this must be settled democratically at the ballot box. For many years the Conservatives have promised to scrap the second runway at Stansted. I stood openly on that pledge and am glad that the Government will keep to it. Robert Halfon MP Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow

obey orders. This has been a PR disaster for Israel, as well as a tragedy for the families of the dead. Instead of bowing to pressure and ending the blockade thay say they are intent on boarding future ships in the same way. Here are some questions for Mr Halfon. By what right does Israel blockade Gaza? Why has Israel closed nearly all the crossing points into Gaza, effectively depriving the population of food and other necessities, as well as stopping them working outside Gaza? Why have they confiscated cement and wheelchairs, among other things, from the flotilla when they know that these things are needed for rebuilding homes destroyed by Israels frenzied attack on Gaza last year and to enable those disabled in the attack to become mobile? And why does Israel claim that everyone who speaks out against their persecution of the Palestinians is anti-semitic? This is a question of human rights. Israel is incredibly rich compared to other states in the region, being dependent on US support. It also possesses many nuclear weapons. Why is it afraid of people who have nothing? Barbara Burge Seeleys, Old Harlow

Illegal blockade is a barrier to peace

SIR, It comes as no surprise that Robert Halfon, a member of Conservative Friends of Israel and a former supporter of Ariel Sharon, should come out in support of Israels commando attack on an aid ship heading for Gaza attempting to break the illegal blockade. Mr Halfon says that he deplores the loss of life and injuries to both sides. Yet it escapes his notice that most of the injuries and all of the deaths were peace activists aboard the aid ship. Early in 2009 Israels military launched an all out war against the people of Gaza. Weeks of bombing resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people, 20,000 buildings destroyed and left 1.5 million inhabitants of Gaza economically stranded. Eleven people in Israel died as a result of rocket attacks fired from Gaza. Unless the economic blockade is lifted to enable much-needed supplies and construction materials to help the Palestinian people rebuild their shattered lives it is unlikely that peace and security for either the Israelis or the Palestinians can ever be achieved. Mary Solomon Churchfield, Harlow

We could give you the facts and figures explaining why local media is effective. But really its just common sense. But if youre a stat. lover, youll want to know that 40 million people in Britain read a local paper,* and over 70% of people act upon the advertising they see.** More facts at www.thewantedads.co.uk

I made no secret of runway opposition

SIR, I thank James Gamble for his concern about Stansted Airport (Letters, June 3). The important thing to note is that a second runway would not just have meant disruption to our villages but to Harlow as well. However, I understand Mr Gambles concern about jobs. The reality is that most airlines did not want a second runway because it was economically unsustainable. The current runway is only being used at 50 per cent capacity. It should be noted that just 5.5 per cent of jobs at Stansted Airport have gone to Harlow residents because the airports recruitment focus has switched to north and east London, offering free/subsidised coach travel for new employees. Many airport employers have also focused

Leisurezone sign a capital offence

SIR, With regards to last weeks Star report about the Leisurezone (Delay hit centre will open this month, June 3), I read with interest that it is decribed as a jewel in the crown, state of the art and the envy of neighbouring towns. Surely if this is the case, shouldnt the name of our great town that adorns the side of this new sports complex have been spelt with a capital H and not a lower case h? Is it just me that thinks that if we are going to promote our town, then lets at least get the grammar right and spell it with a capital letter. Steve Pitt address supplied - Editor

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GB TGI 2009 Q3 (April 2008 March 2009) The Wanted Ads STAGE 1. GFK NOP Base: all adults

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