SIR – The proposed increase in diesel duty is a cynical attempt to raise taxes without having any significant impact on consumption. Vehicle owners have no choice but to use diesel fuel in their tanks.
If the Government truly wants to discourage the use of diesel, a more effective approach would be to impose an additional tax on the purchase price of diesel vehicles, rather than on the fuel itself.
Graham M E Barber
Sudbury, Suffolk
Scientific Powerhouse
SIR – Science plays a crucial role in driving our prosperity, health, innovation, and economic growth. It is imperative that science takes center stage in the discussion about Britain’s membership in the EU. As Nobel Laureates in science, we are deeply concerned that individuals offering opinions on the impact of Brexit on scientific endeavors lack the necessary scientific leadership experience, which puts the outstanding research efforts in the UK in jeopardy.
By being part of the EU, Britain becomes an essential contributor to the world’s largest scientific powerhouse. The EU possesses a critical mass of expertise, with more than one in five of the world’s researchers freely moving within its boundaries. It provides agility in scientific endeavors, houses some of the most exceptional minds and facilities globally, and makes significant investments in research, people, and infrastructure.
Decisions made by the EU regarding scientific policies, funding, and regulatory frameworks have a global impact on scientific progress. As a member, Britain has access to people and funding, and possesses a much greater global scientific influence than it would have on its own.
The potential loss of EU research funding poses a significant risk to UK science. Claims that the Treasury would make up for this shortfall are misguided and complacent, considering that successive governments have allowed Britain’s research investment, as a proportion of GDP, to fall well below the OECD and EU averages.
Arguments suggesting that the UK could still access funding from outside the EU neglect the fact that such access would likely be conditional on adhering to principles that Brexit rejects, particularly freedom of movement. Science thrives on the exchange of ideas and collaboration among diverse individuals, and it flourishes in environments that foster intelligence pooling, minimize obstacles, and remain open to free exchanges and collaborations.
The EU provides exactly such an environment, and scientists highly value it. It is for this reason that a recent survey in Nature revealed that 83% of UK scientists want Britain to remain in the EU. Although we may be an island, we cannot isolate ourselves when it comes to science. Being part of the EU is not only beneficial for British science but also for Britain as a whole.
Dr Sydney Brenner
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2002
Sir Martin Evans
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2007
Sir Andre Geim
Laureate, Physics 2010
Sir John Gurdon
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2012
Professor Peter Higgs
Laureate, Physics 2013
Sir Tim Hunt
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2001
Dr Tomas Lindahl
Laureate, Chemistry 2015
Sir Kostya Novoselov
Laureate, Physics 2010
Sir Paul Nurse
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2001
Professor John O’Keefe
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2014
Sir Richard Roberts
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 1993
Sir John Sulston
Laureate, Physiology or Medicine 2002
Sir John Walker
Laureate, Chemistry 1997
Assisted Suicide Lobby
SIR – Sir Graeme Catto, former chairman of the General Medical Council, also serves as chairman of the lobby group Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society). The sponsored poll on assisted suicide that he refers to, which claimed that “just 7% of people agree with the BMA’s current stance”, was conducted by this group and presented in a biased manner.
It is incorrect to state that doctors are “dictating whether or not the law changes”. The British Medical Association’s opposition to the legalization of assisted suicide may be inconvenient for lobbyists, but Parliament has the freedom to disregard it if desired. The BMA’s policy is not unreasonable and is strongly supported by most doctors.
Baroness Hollins
Former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and of the BMA
London SW1
Service Charge
SIR – There are approximately 80 charities in the UK dedicated to supporting the welfare of ex-servicemen from past wars.
As a veteran of the Second World War, I have received regular requests for donations from several of these charities over the years.
Gordon Hemmings
Birkenhead, Wirral
Driven to Distraction
SIR – It is now suggested that hands-free telephone conversations in cars can be dangerous.
But what about chatty passengers?
Michael Nicol
St Albans, Hertfordshire
Who’s to Blame for the Lack of a Royal Yacht
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