Unseemly rush to condemn

Sir, – Ruth Davidson and other politicians who criticise Boris Johnson for using the words “letter boxes” and “bank robber” in reference to women wearing the burka, should have a look at the result of a Courier online poll: 70% think that Boris Johnson should not apologise. I, too, was initially up in arms and about to join the chorus of those condemning him for yet again using loose and offensive language. Thankfully, I got hold of Mr Johnson’s column in which he discusses whether it is right or wrong to ban the burka. It is a piece of 1,076 words and to my surprise the four in question (letter boxes, bank robber) seemed somewhat objectionable while the other 1068 sounded very reasonable. They contain a thoughtful argument against an outright burka ban and explain in measured terms why, in

our society, it’s justified to expect people not to conceal their faces in certain situations in public life. Thus they present a valuable contribution to the debate. Ruth Davidson misses the point when she accuses Boris Johnson of making “sweeping statements about what women should or shouldn’t wear” (The Courier, August 9). Far from giving fashion advice he stresses that it’s solely the business of a “free-born adult woman what she may or may not wear”. Ms Davidson’s comment exemplifies our mainstream politicians’ reluctance to address the real issue. It is easier to slam Boris for an arguably crude analogy than making a stance for the civil liberties and the responsibilities which come with living in this country. Politicians and governments across Europe are already paying the price for this reluctance: losing out to anti-establishment populists. Regina Erich. 1 Willow Row, Stonehaven.