Letters - December 27, 2018

How many people have stalled making plans to travel abroad next year due to the uncertainty of Brexit?

The impact this is having on the holiday and travel industry is colossal.

At this moment in time, who really knows for sure what the complexities of travelling around Europe will be like after March 29, 2019.

Due to the weak pound and travel uncertainty, holiday resorts have an opportunity right now to re-invent themselves.

UK tourism may surge next year.

Travel companies offering foreign packaged holidays operate on pretty tight margins, relying on high numbers of sales to make a profit.

As many people are now “waiting to see what happens with Brexit”, it’s unfortunate and inevitable that some travel companies will face going to the wall.

It’s a very difficult time for the holiday industry as their businesses are left in ‘limbo’.

In theory, the weak pound should attract a lot of inward tourism from around Europe to the UK.

But equally, will Brexit put off foreign holiday makers if there is the fear of passport chaos at airports?

The Prime Minister has had one hell of a challenge over the past few months.

It’s certainly not a job for the faint-hearted or short-tempered.

I feel terribly sorry for her. At the back of her mind, she has the personal knowledge of hindsight.

As a politician, Theresa May voted to remain, knowing deep down that remaining in the EU is better for Britain.

The expectation for her to deliver the inflated promises made by the leave campaigners during the misleading referendum requires some kind of miracle.

Stephen Pierre

via email

Appeal

Get active to help beat killer disease

As we enter the New Year, I’m calling on the Great British public to save lives in 2019 by supporting Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.

I’m a patron of this wonderful charity because my mum died from bowel cancer when she was just 54 years old. More than 16,000 people die from the disease in the UK every year, making it the second biggest cancer killer but with your help we can change that.

Make it your New Year’s resolution to support Bowel Cancer UK. You could get active and join our Step up for 30 campaign in June by doing 30 minutes of physical activity every day for 30 days or take on a huge challenge like a hike up Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp or a cycle through Cambodia.

Why not cheer on our runners at Bowel Cancer UK cheering stations at marathons across the UK in 2019. It’s because of people like you we can continue to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

Interested? Visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk to find out more.

Sean Fletcher

Presenter of Countryfile and Good Morning Britain

Appeal

A time of crisis and danger to many

The festive season is an important time for relaxing at home, and spending time with family and friends. But it’s impossible to ignore that many people’s lives across the world remain marked by hardship and devastation – with women and children among the most vulnerable in times of crisis.

In 2018, nearly 50 million girls and boys have been uprooted from their homes due to violence, poverty, natural disasters or political crises. Forced to flee, short of food, water and sanitation, and with no access to education, many children are traumatised by what they have experienced; and have no idea what their future will hold.

These children need support all year round, not just when disaster strikes.

That’s why Plan International UK has launched the Children’s Emergency Fund. With your generous support, we can act fast to protect and provide for vulnerable children in the days and weeks after an emergency happens. We can also work to improve their safety, education and psychosocial needs in the months to come, building resilience in the communities in which they live.

With your help, we can make a brighter start to 2019 for millions of children around the world. Visit https://plan-uk.org/emergencies to donate.

Danielle Atkinson

Head of Individual Giving at Plan International UK

Politics

One is respected and hard working

The USA Defence Secretary James Mattis has announced his resignation after criticising President Trump’s military knowledge. Differences between two people in leadership positions are not uncommon.

One is an experienced leader, trusted by people, dedicated to his country, hard working, well respected by friends and foes and the other is the President.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Via email