This could well result in fighting on the streets

WE ARE witnessing death throes of the once-mighty Conservative and Unionist Party that was once the party of business and the Union flag.

An unelected PM, selected by party members numbering far fewer than the population of Wales, has put forward a Brexit deal acceptable to his far-right extremists and to Farage’s Brexit Party which will open up our health service to American private health companies.

Parliament must stay in control to prevent this deal which will remove all consumer and worker protection and to prevent us crashing out without a deal. Our MPs are not delegates bound for all time by a threeyear-old referendum. They are there to represent the best interests of all their constituents, whichever way they voted.

This is representative democracy and the alternative tyranny of unelected Johnson could well result in not only the breakup of Great Britain and Northern Ireland but in fighting on the streets of the kind we have already seen in Northern Ireland. Margaret Phelps

Penarth the

Wales v All Blacks match-up is perfect

PRETTY sad day for beloved Wales and the Welsh, as Saturday was for NZ, I’m sure. So from the ashes, here is a different take.

The bronze level match next weekend is perfect! We’ve all been wanting a NZ-Wales match-up, denied to us in 2015 with THAT red card, and ironically here it is. I was lamenting yesterday with a NZ pal via text how we wouldn’t get to see a New Zealand v Wales game after the All Blacks lost to England – and now here we are.

The two countries have so much in common (as a Maori guide my husband and I met at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington once pointed out). So, even though Wales lost on Sunday, we are getting that 2015 final – finally! We will lose (too beat-up with injuries), but we have a silver lining. And good luck to the finalists: Northern hemisphere v Southern hemisphere. All good! What a tournament!

The Burr family

Santa Barbara, California, USA

Heartbreak and pride for Wales

LIKE the whole of Wales, I was heartbroken when the final whistle blew against South Africa, and our dream of a fairytale ending to the Gatland era with Alun Wyn lifting the Webb Ellis trophy aloft vanished.

However, I am so proud of Alun Wyn and every one of the squad involved in the Japan campaign because they gave 100% for Wales, their families, their coaches and each other. I think most neutrals would acknowledge Wales were good enough to win the cup, but needed a little luck in any tight sudden death encounters, and while we arguably got that in the quarter- final against France, we did not against South Africa.

Never mind, we have so many positives and wonderful memories to take away from this campaign, and the depth and talent of the current squad suggests we can look forward to a really bright future. I shall be forever grateful to Warren and his wonderful coaching team for putting the respect back in Welsh rugby during their 11-season tenure, which included winning an incredible four Six Nations titles including three Grand Slams, as well as two semis and a quarter-final in the global tournament.

Diolch yn fawr Warren, Shaun, Robert, Robin a Neil am atgofion bythgofiadwy ac am rhoddi y parch yn ôl yn rygbi Cymru!

R Terry James Brentwood, Essex

England’s Grand National to lose

I am forever surprised when talented and intelligent people walk straight into an ambush with eyes wide open. The agreeable Warren Gatland was asked his thoughts on England in the final. His response should have gone something like this: “Look, England is the clear form horse, but every rugby coach on the planet knows that in a twohorse race there’s always a Foinavon fence waiting to bring down the favourite. So, sorry folks, I don’t have a crystal ball – and anyway, I’m not a betting man.” That would have generated a wry smile.

Instead, Warren waffled and suggested that England may have peaked too soon, having played their World Cup final a game early by overwhelming New Zealand. To continue a sporting allegory – I nearly said allergy there, which is perhaps nearer the truth – he left an open goal for the razor-tongued and smiling Eddie Jones: “Well, guys, can you just send my best wishes to Warren to make sure he enjoys the third and fourth-place play-off.” Ouch and penalty ouch!

Huw Beynon

Llandeilo

Parliament must stay in control to prevent this deal

Keeping pets calm this Bonfire Night

WHILE many of your readers will be looking forward to enjoying the festivities of Bonfire Night, I wanted to remind dog owners that this time of year can be very frightening for our four-legged friends. Many animals can find the loud sounds and brightness of fireworks very distressing so it’s important that owners take steps to help ensure their pets feel as safe