See the light

Published on 04/09/2012 00:00

With so much focus on wind turbines and renewable 
energy, it is all too easy to 
forget that there are other green policy disasters, as your report of the health risks posed by low-
energy light-bulbs (1 September) reminds us.

All the same elements are there – a green bandwagon, 
corporate interests standing to benefit, politicians jumping on board at a European summit – all leading to another poorly thought-out EU law, and national parliaments powerless to do anything about it.

Edinburgh East MP Sheila 
Gilmore is wasting her time asking the UK government to seek an EU exemption for people suffering from light-sensitive medical conditions.

Instead, we should learn lessons. Firstly, how we generate our electricity and what light-bulbs we use should be none of Brussels’ business.

When laws are originated at a national level, they are usually subject to debate and consultation first.

Also, if a national parliament passes a foolish law, it can repeal it. In practical terms, this never happens at European level.

Secondly, we should trust people rather than legislating to control them. For example, if low-energy light-bulbs really were a better proposition, they would tend to prevail in a free market anyway.

Thirdly, only by leaving the European Union will we 
recover our democracy and 
policy sanity.

Otto Inglis

Inveralmond Grove

Edinburgh