Our readers from across the county give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Kent and beyond.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking here. Join the debate by emailing letters@thekmgroup.co.uk

‘Stopping oil’ would wreck our civilisation

Somewhat simple activists for various causes always seem to think that there are easy solutions to major problems.

Those who like to think of themselves as peace campaigners love John Lennon’s song “All we are saying, is give peace a chance”. At first glance this seems a benign sentiment but unfortunately that is not all they are saying. In the face of implacable enemies, who desire our destruction, the peace advocates would throw away our weapons, put flowers in their hair and expect our opponents to do likewise. In reality the latter would then trample us underfoot. In 1900 Theodore Roosevelt, before becoming the 26th US President said "speak softly and carry a big stick”.

The “Just Stop Oil” group seem to be asking for one straightforward action to prevent what they regard as a climate emergency. Rather than “Just” anything, what it would mean is that the industrial infrastructure upon which millions rely would be destroyed, we would lose the means of heating our homes, or, unless living in big cities, be unable to travel any distance. It would wreck our civilisation, kill millions and put humanity on the road back to the caves. The sensible approach would be to encourage scientific developments which, in a reasonable time period, would produce viable alternatives to using most fossil fuels, although it will never be possible to abandon them entirely.

A majority of those who are most vocal in support of irrational reactions to these issues tend to be young and indulged by parents who allow them to think that their opinions are both original and brilliant, while they have been brainwashed within our poor educational system into believing the nostrums of the extremists.

If we are to survive as a society we must cease to tolerate disruption caused by those who shout the loudest. Empty vessels make the most noise.

Colin Bullen

A pint of wine is absurd

It is with horror I see some retailers are to introduce pint bottles of wine.

Why, we ask? Well, it’s clear they have pushed the price of wine to the limit, so a solution is to use a smaller bottle thus appearing cheaper per unit but be sure the price per litre will only go up.

The imperial system of weights and measures ceased to exist in 1970 over 53 years ago but some (mainly the BBC and the press) like to use feet rather than metres as it sounds bigger; housing like to use square feet again as it sounds a lot bigger than square meters; carpet salesmen use square yards as it sounds cheaper; weather forecasters use degrees F, so it sounds hotter or colder.

It is time for everyone to forget the obsolete absurd imperial system and use metric, which works seamlessly in unison with all units.

Phil Bulman

Hit by scooter rider on pavement

I read with interest the article about e-scooters, where the police commissioner Matthew Scott says "there is much confusion about the law on e-scooters".

The law on e-scooters has been the same ever since these scooters have been around; surely when the police commissioner comes out with this sort of excuse, it only adds fuel to those who persist in breaking the law.

Two months ago, when taking shopping out of the boot of my car, some idiot on an e-scooter hit me while I was on the pavement. I did not sustain any injury but the idiot fell into the road, gave me a lot of abuse about scratching his scooter and demanded I pay for damages; I'm sure you can imagine my reply.

The next morning I found my windscreen had been severely damaged (possibly by a hammer). Coincidence. Windscreen replacement cost £485, police not interested.

Dave Phillips

Phones have changed our behaviour

Before the advent of mobile phones - which have transformed the lives of so many people who have become enamoured by these handheld tools of technology - people travelling on public transport were divided into those gazing absently through windows at the passing scenery and those with their nose stuck in a newspaper or book.

Today that has all changed, as people are more occupied with browsing on their phones, sending emails, accessing the internet, scrolling photos, etc. It's not uncommon either, to see mostly young individuals gazing down at their phones as they stroll along the street without making any acknowledgment of their surroundings.

The reduction of awareness through mobile use has some negative effects on their brain and health, according to some research. It can also have a detrimental effect on their social and emotional skills, especially in children and adolescents.

Some studies found that excessive smartphone use may lead to reduced empathy, increased loneliness and lower self-esteem.

With so many features already currently in place on phones to preoccupy the user, it is a matter of concern that more will be added to compound the damage to their mental health.

Michael Smith

NHS staff work in a broken system

I was admitted to hospital as an emergency and discharged the following day after extensive tests and treatment, with referrals for further care after Christmas.

Yes, it was a long time, and very crowded, but I received superb kindness and care from all staff. Luckily, I saw no one needing to sleep on the floor, but I did see a very efficient triage system and my various treatments were all explained to me.

The staff are working in a system that is at present broken, for various reasons. But their commitment and professionalism at all times was outstanding and that made a very stressful time much easier.

Sheila Ward

People at war don’t always speak out

Mr Hardie-Storie's reference to democratic choice ignores the fact that even in Gaza, Hamas was very unpopular. It won by eradicating the moderate opposition, so not a democratic process by normal standards.

In wartime, people's values change. We also know that in Nazi Germany democracy did not exist and ordinary people were under great pressure to conform. Their private views were not for public consumption and many Germans who did express them went to prison or worse.

Our viewpoint, from the safety, security and comfort of our homes, watching events unfold on TV cannot be considered on the same footing as that of a family living under extreme duress. Gazans lived in an open prison while Palestinians on the West Bank were and are under constant threat from Israelis who have no internationally legal right to live there or to establish settlements.

Hardly surprising Palestinians in the West Bank are now becoming less inclined to follow the moderate Palestine Liberation party in charge. It has failed to change Netanyahu's government policies.

How do individual Palestinians feel about the actions of Hamas during the incursion into Israel? The Israeli newspaper Haaretz has questioned the validity of surveys of opinions in areas where the pressure of social and political circumstances make it well-nigh impossible to voice opinions that are not mainstream.

In private, the average Muslim decries the sort of actions carried out by some Hamas soldiers. In public, they dare not and are carried along by the prevailing mood.

Robert Kerr

First step to give up alcohol

The festive season brings excitement for many, but it can also be a time of indulgence, and perhaps drinking more alcohol than we would like. As we head into a new year, many people will be wanting to feel a little fitter and healthier.

In fact, our research shows that one in four of us would like to drink less alcohol in 2024, and one in six UK adults (16%) plan to take a break from alcohol this January.

Dry January is the perfect place to start! It shows us that we don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, celebrate, unwind or anything else. What’s more, so many people tell us they have an even better time when not drinking alcohol, as they feel more present, can remember the evening more, and enjoy waking up hangover-free, feeling fresh and energetic.

We know that taking that first step to change habits can be hard, but research shows that those who take part in Dry January from Alcohol Change UK double their chances of success, through access to our free Try Dry app, daily emails and a supportive online community.

A month off alcohol won’t just mean short-term boosts to your well-being but has been proven to lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood.

So if you’re looking to make long-term changes for the better, take a look at dryjanuary.org.uk for more.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK

Find extra support over winter

Winter can be a challenging time of year for many readers but we at Royal Voluntary Service are determined to be there for as many people as possible.

We know that shorter daylight hours, cold weather and the worry of heating homes are just some of the factors that make this season the most difficult.

We have created the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide, which is packed full of the most useful information, tips and advice to support people through the challenges of winter.

I would like to encourage readers who might welcome some extra support and advice, to download or order a copy of the guide.

The guide includes vital information such as money saving tips, how to keep active and eat a healthy diet, how to ensure your home is gas safe, who to call in a power emergency, contacts for mental health support and where to find essential NHS contact details.

From January 22 to 26, we will also be hosting virtual Stay Safe, Warm and Well events, including healthy cook-alongs, on our Virtual Village Hall, a free online activity hub and community.

Details of how to access the Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide, and how to tune into the Virtual Village Hall can be found at www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/safe-warm-well. Physical copies of the guide can also be requested by calling 0800 731 9197, a small P&P charge will apply.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief executive, Royal Voluntary Service

Help cancer trust’s vital work

Every year around 104 young people aged 13-24 in the South East hear the devasting words ‘you have cancer’.

This year Teenage Cancer Trust nurses and youth workers across the region have gone above and beyond to ensure that cancer doesn’t stop them living their lives. Alongside providing urgently needed specialist care they have helped them cope with hair loss, to stay in education or work, reduced isolation by introducing them to other young people with cancer and helped them manage the financial impact of treatment.

They have also helped some come to terms with a terminal diagnosis and supported them to do the things they wanted to in the time they had left.

We welcome donations and support from the local community to help with our work in the coming year, so that we can make sure every teenager and young person with cancer gets the support they need. To donate or support the charity in other ways visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

Dr Louise Soanes, Chief Nurse, Teenage Cancer Trust