TNAG-2944-FCO40-4220-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-dependants-wives-and-widow-1993 — Page 59

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3rd November, 1993

Rt. Hon. John Major, M.P.,

The Prime Minister,

10 Downing Street, LONDON.

474 Liverpool Road,

Birkdale,

Southport,

PR8 3BB

Dear Sir,

I and my family have supported the Conservative Party for many years and it is with regret that I have to say how increasingly angry and annoyed I am becoming at the ridiculous policies that are being adopted. I am absolutely incensed at the proposal to place VAT on fuel and how you can even consider increasing M.P's salary over and above what the rest of us might possibly receive is beyond me. Over the years the Conservatives have introduced one thing after another to make life more grim for the less well off whilst the well off and wealth' have received tax cuts and have prospered very nicely. I had hoped when you became leader more compassion and care would be shown. I receive only a small salary but I would be prepared to pay more in the way of direct taxation and by taking this course of action the people who can well afford to pay more would be shouldering their rightful share of the burden rather than the insidious idea of indirect taxation on fuel etc., which only hurts the less well off more.

Can you imagine trying to eke out an existence on say, £60 per week which is what most pensioners have to live on. How can M.P.'s have any idea of what it must be like when they receive the sort of salaries they get. What we would like to see is far less self-interest and less selfishness.

I know the Government will argue that the money to finance your overspending and mismanagement of the economy has got to come from somewhere but let it be from the people who can afford it. Solving the Irish problem might make substantial cuts. How much does it cost to keep troops there? How much do we pay in Unemployment and other benefits? You have a golden opportunity at the present time to get rid of Ireland once and for all by placing it in the hands of either the United Nations or the E.E.C., as suggested by President Clinton. Ireland should be united and the Unionists should be made to realise that. They cannot be allowed to continue sabotaging peace negotiations just on the strength of the pact or deal the Conservative Party has made with them. The prospect of peace is far more important than

that..

Finally, for goodness sake grant British passports to those 24 Hong Kong widows who so rightly deserve British citizenship. I cannot believe that this was not granted to them years ago after the sacrifices they and their husbands have made. At least it would show a little humanity.

I never thought I would feel the way I do but I shall be voting for an alternative party at the next election as I feel this is the only way forward to try to overcome the awful mistakes that have been made over the last few years, which hopefully might tip the scales and restore some balance between the ordinary people of this country and the well off.

Yours faithfully,

J. Jorse (Mrs)