Nuclear weapon ban not likely

Editor News editor Mr Pragnell’s letter is studiously worded, but only with a view to clouding the issue regarding nuclear weapons. (Kent Messenger, May 18)

For example he states people such as I are blind to the fact that nuclear weapons have not resolved any conflict since 1945; a convenient year to choose because it doesn’t fit with his argument to mention that when used in that year they brought an earlier end to the Second World War than otherwise would have been the case.

Likewise, where he gets the notion from my assertion that ‘the very existence of nuclear weapons is only effective if a Prime Minister’s stated position is they would be prepared to use them’, assumes they will never be used, defies comprehension.

To suggest we would have a stronger defence policy and a safer world without nuclear weapons is ignoring reality.

We cannot ‘uninvent’ them, and whilst there are so-called ‘rogue nations’ trying to acquire or develop the required technology, any meeting to propose banning them is pointless.

That is why over 40 countries did not attend the main UN meeting to which he referred, and all five permanent members of the UN Security Council either voted against the motion, or abstained.

One notable absentee was North Korea, which not only refuses to attend any meetings, but is also not prepared to enter into negotiations, or have discussions, about its nuclear intentions.

While there is even just one country adopting such a stance there is absolutely no prospect of any others decommissioning or banning them. Christopher Hudson-Gool Sutton Road, Maidstone without massive expenditure on infrastructure including roads, railways, hospitals, water, and schools.

At the Maidstone Draft Local Plan review it was explained by the Inspector that a lot of the new housing in Maidstone was for London overspill.

Unless thousands of new jobs can be created most newcomers will need to commute on presently inadequate rail services and roads whilst creating pollution.

Finally KCC’s forecast of the increase in the number of houses in Kent was probably done before Brexit which may have a major effect on the UK economy including that of Kent as it is a main artery for traffic to the EU.

Without a Customs Union which can speed traffic through the Channel Tunnel and the Ports there could be delays. If this issue is not resolved it is possible transport companies will take their business elsewhere.

In my view, as Brexit is likely to be a major game changer for Kent and the rest of the UK for a number of reasons which are not totally understood just now, I suggest KCC and the other councils in Kent should scrap pre-Brexit Local Plans and produce new ones when the post-Brexit situation becomes clearer. John Cobbett Hollingbourne