Readers of MetroTalk have launched a fierce debate over whether politicians should make fixing the UK's 'broken' public transport system an urgent priority, with one contributor warning that widespread car ownership puts a 'lethal weapon' in most people's hands.
Road Rage Incident Sparks Call for Transport Overhaul
The discussion was ignited by the case of Paul Doyle, who used his Ford Galaxy to plough into more than 100 Liverpool fans during a victory parade in May 2025. Prosecutors described the act as motivated by a 'simple fit of rage'.
In a letter published on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, Dr Murray Tremellen from York argued it should be termed 'road rage' and asked if it would finally spark a conversation about the social cost of a car-dependent society.
"A society in which most people own a car is a society in which most people have a lethal weapon in their hands," Dr Tremellen wrote. He accused politicians of shying away from meaningful improvements to public transport, fearing backlash from the motor industry or a 'vocal minority' of drivers.
He concluded with a stark warning: "Are we prepared to take meaningful action now, to prevent a repeat of the Liverpool incident? Or, like the US with its gun laws, will we bury our heads in the sand?"
Readers Clash Over Middle East Conflict and Anti-Semitism
Another heated exchange followed a previous letter about the Bondi Beach terror attack. Reader RA Skett had suggested there could be 'no surprise' about the attack, linking it to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's actions in Gaza.
This view was condemned by Maxine from Essex as "disgusting". "Blaming the shooting of innocent Jews in Australia on what is happening in Gaza? They have nothing to do with it," she wrote, arguing that such logic would justify attacking British people for the UK government's actions.
Denise from London echoed this, calling it "the old Jew hatred – any excuse will do!" She asked: "What other people get terrorised for the actions of their or someone else’s government? None."
Public Support for Doctors' Strikes 'Waning', Says Reader
The ongoing industrial action by junior doctors also came under scrutiny. The British Medical Association (BMA) had voted to proceed with a five-day walkout from December 17 to 22, 2025, demanding a 26% pay rise to restore earnings eroded since 2008.
Helen from Brighton challenged the BMA's stance, stating the union "seems to live in a vacuum". She pointed out that doctors had received the largest pay rises of any public sector employees in the past three years – almost 30 per cent.
"Support for the doctors seems to be waning. They used to be held in high esteem. No longer, in many eyes," she wrote, criticising the timing despite Health Secretary Wes Streeting's plea to delay due to flu cases.
'Brain Drain' or Economic Freedom? Immigration Row Erupts
A final debate centred on skilled migration and 'neo-colonialism'. Chris H from London clarified an earlier point, objecting not to immigration itself but to rich Western nations like the UK recruiting skilled professionals from poorer countries like Pakistan.
"How can it be right for countries such as Pakistan to invest limited resources into raising and educating its young only for the rich West to reap the benefits?" he asked, challenging the 'brain drain'.
This was countered by Robert Bucknor from Tunbridge Wells, who noted Britons often move to Australasia or North America without similar criticism. "Perhaps only white people are allowed to improve their economic prospects elsewhere?" he suggested.
The Metro continues to invite readers to have their say on these and other topics in the comments section of MetroTalk.
