Letter: Tougher laws against drink driving

David H. W. Grubb
Wednesday 03 September 1997 00:02 BST
Comments

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.

Sir: The Princess of Wales succeeded in making complex issues understandable and therefore people believed they had a role in resolution. This is particularly so of Aids and land mines where she risked criticism by taking direct action.

The Oslo Conference may lead to a treaty and it could prove to be a fitting memorial to Diana. More than anything else it needs to focus on the real facts, not political perceptions and commercial implications but the core humanitarian issue.

In 64 countries around the world there are an estimated 110 million unexploded land mines. Land mines kill 800 people a month. A large proportion are children.

Most mines are not charted or mapped. They move positions due to floods, landslides etc. As they age they become more sensitive. The estimated cost of treatment for live victims is more than pounds 2,000. Clearing each mine costs a quarter of this.

The Princess was asking why we have all created this situation which is intolerable and yet totally capable of being stopped and, with commitment, banned for ever.

DAVID H W GRUBB

Executive Director

Children's Aid Direct

Reading

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in