LIKE the film producers quoted in your article (Censors meet their match as film smoking curbs attacked – Daily Post, June 18) I 100 per cent disagree with the suggestion that we apply 18 certificates to films that show smoking.
As a Lib-Dem councillor, I voted for the ban on smoking in enclosed public places for good Liberal reasons – the risk of harming others forced to breathe in second hand smoke.
I am against this second move for equally Liberal reasons.
The idea seems to be that smoking will be OK in the films if we are looking at a real historical figure who was known to smoke, or if there is a message about smoking being a bad thing.
Presumably, therefore, the pipe of peace in a newly-made Western could only be used if a warrior interrupts the conversation to broadcast a warning about tobacco.
Those in favour will argue that people, and particularly young people, take up smoking because they copy the behaviour in films. Surely young people are more likely to emulate peers, parents or real world role models than a fictional character seen in a two-hour story.
Earlier this year, I went to see the film, Che. I left that film without wanting to suddenly dress in fatigues and lead a revolution in a South American country!
I very much believe that this move would be a step too far. Hopefully the public consultation will show that many agree.
Cllr Paula Keaveney, Liberal Democrat, Cressington Ward
Nanny state
JUST WHEN you thought that nannying could not get any worse in this country, they start talking about giving films with smoking in them an 18 certificate.
This is censorship of the absolute worst kind.
I agree that smoking is horrifically bad for your health and I have never smoked myself, but the only possible reason for this can be to deter directors from featuring cigarettes in their films at all, as everyone knows an 18 certificate can dramatically reduce your audience share.
And if that is not censorship, I don’t know what is.
Tony Allen, via email
Child protection
I AM rather perplexed at the stand taken by Cllr Warren Bradley with regard to the CentrePoint child protection system (Daily Post, June 18).
Firstly, it appears that Cllr Bradley is with much less thought and consultation, second guessing the findings of the enquiry into the tragic death of Victoria Climbié. We shouldn’t forget that this child’s death represented one of the most serious failings of the systems established to protect children, and that the CentrePoint system is being introduced to address one of the root courses of this; the failure of the various bodies who had contact with the child to communicate with each other.
It is noticeable that, amidst his concerns, Cllr Bradley proposes no alternative safeguards.
Secondly, Cllr Bradley’s reason for challenging the system’s introduction, that the information held could be lost or misused, is rather odd, given that this is a concern that might be applied to any data that any organisation might be required to keep.
Surely, rather than railing against a considered recommendation designed to safeguard our children, it is the job of elected representatives to develop systems and procedures that reduce to the absolute minimum the risk of loss or misuse of such information.
Carl Roper, Liverpool 9.
Show you care
IMAGINE you are nine years old. Today you fixed breakfast for your younger brother and sister and your mum. You put some washing on, got your siblings ready for school, gave mum her medicine and tidied up the kitchen.
Imagine that you did this all before school.
Across Merseyside, there are more than 5,600 young carers, many of whom do not get a break all year. Caring for a loved one, while juggling school and social life, can be challenging yet immensely rewarding.
The Children's Society and YMCA Fairthorne Manor celebrate the 10th Young Carers Festival this summer, giving this forgotten group of children a moment to enjoy their childhood and a chance to have their voices heard.
I’d like to wish everyone a happy and sunny festival in 2009. I know for many young carers the festival is your only chance to come together, meet friends and enjoy a weekend away from everyday responsibilities. I hope this year gives you all that and much, much more.
I invite all your readers to send a personal message to the young carers, which will then be posted on their website in time for the festival. Visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/youngcarers.
Dame Helen Mirren, DBE
Voters are worried
THERE is no need to look further than our own government to know why the BNP gains favour.
It is the Government’s abysmal failure to effectively control immigration and reluctance to carry out deportations, together with their failing to impose maximum sentences for possession of guns and knives, that has opened the door for a party like the BNP.
Voters seldom say so, but there is genuine fear over health, education, homes, social security, unemployment, taxes, crime and terrorism.
P Maguire, address supplied
