Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Still no charges?
We now know that the 72 deaths caused by the Grenfell fire could have been avoided (Metro, Thu).
This, were it not for companies’ greed and ‘systematic dishonesty’, government cuts to ‘red tape’ that meant even matters affecting safety of life were ignored and that the richest local authority area in the UK and its tenant management organisation were ‘indifferent’ to managing the fire safety and residents on the estate.
And still, seven years later, the residents and their families still have to wait for criminal charges for what has been confirmed as 72 avoidable deaths. Corin, London
METRO TALK – HAVE YOUR SAY
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The Grenfell Tower report should serve as the death of deregulation in respect of public safety.
The report points out that in 2010, ministers were told to ‘cut red tape’.
Clearly all the recommendations of the report should be implemented as soon as possible. There also need to be explanations from the police as to why they need so long before they can press charges on those who were responsible for the deaths of so many. Andrew McLuskey, Middlesex
Is time to boycott for what you believe in?
Following more atrocious crimes conducted by Russia, with help from China, to fund its war in Ukraine, I wonder how many readers are reducing – as I am – purchases of items manufactured in these countries?
In Vladimir Putin’s latest attack, four members of the same family were killed in a drone and missile strike in Lviv, near the Polish border (Metro, Thu).
It’s the western addiction to consumerism that is fuelling this war. So the next time you go online, using your Chinese phone, and search for some tatty plastic item, picture the missile leaving Russia. Ryan, Southend
That’s a lot of property to heat
Christopher Whitehead (MetroTalk, Thu) says it is ‘grossly unfair’ that he and his wife will no longer receive the £200 winter fuel allowance.
He says they are ‘by no means wealthy’ but live in a band F property. Perhaps downsizing would cut energy bills? Why must taxpayers support this? Emma, Stourbridge
Mr Whitehead suggests taxing the winter fuel allowance rather than scrapping it for those not in receipt of pension credit. I’m pretty sure that would cost a lot more to administer than it would save. Kelly, Luton
Is cash king… Or not?
The Post Office says it handled a record amount of cash in July, with deposits and withdrawals of £3.7billion.
Many people have realised the only way to manage their spending during the latest financial crisis is to keep tighter control of their money.
Sadly, banks are not responding to customers’ needs by providing more branches and/or teller desks.
Similarly, supermarkets are not increasing the number of checkouts where you can use cash. Martin J Phillips, Leeds
A lesson in women’s anatomy
Masseur Marcelo Oliveira has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman by touching her ‘vagina’ (Metro, Thu).
A woman’s vagina is inside her body and it is far more likely he was touching her vulva. Why is there so much misnaming of women’s bodies? Marianne, Barnet
Sir Keir wants to get a grip on ticket price surging
Sir Keir Starmer says he will do something about gig prices after Oasis fans were either unable to get reunion tickets or saw the cost online rocket from £148 to £355 (Metro, Wed).
The number of tickets available for any event is determined by the size of the venue. Perhaps the PM will explain how he will make more tickets available.
As for the price going up, the contract is made at checkout time, not before. If you don’t like the price, don’t buy – someone else will. Neither the Competition and Markets Authority nor the PM should get involved. Andrew Turek, London
Is this what Labour really means when they say ‘grey belt’?
Daniel Austin (MetroTalk, Wed) refers to the ‘grey belt’, as championed by Labour for its house-building plans.
What Labour is really proposing is a full-scale assault on the green belt.
We’re seeing it in Surrey. In Hookwood developers have won permission to build 446 homes on classic green-belt land of woods and fields.
Another obvious absurdity is housing secretary Angela Rayner saying she’s going to build new towns on ‘grey belt’ land such as old car parks. She must know some very large car parks. John Daniels, Redhill
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