LETTER: Pacific nuclear tests: French public opinion, British history, Labour policy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Ken Collins, MEP
Sir: It is, I suppose, a tribute to the Westminster fixation of most British political commentary that you have covered the French nuclear tests by reflecting only what Westminster leaders have been saying. You tell us (leading article, 8 September) that
the [British] political classes have failed to offer the leadership that has been required by the French tests.
And, in another article, you tell us that
Labour's environment spokespeople ... have however maintained a strikingly low profile.
Were you to turn your attention to politics on the other side of the Channel, where Labour spokespeople are at least as active, you would find that this is not the case.
Labour spokespeople have been active in having public meetings with not only the president of the Council of Environment Ministers, but also with the president of the Commission himself. As chairman of the Environment Committee of the European Parliament, I have been active in discussions with Commissioner Bjerregaard, the Environment Commissioner, the Spanish president of the Environment Council and with President Santer.
Yours sincerely,
Ken Collins
MEP for Strathclyde East (Lab)
East Kilbride, Glasgow
11 September
The writer is chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments