A chance to set out a bold new vision for a post-brexit, Tory-led Britain

SIR – This September, we are at last going to get a major speech from Theresa May with a real vision of what the Tories stand for.

This will not just make a positive statement about the possible benefits of Brexit, but will also present an opportunity for her to address other topics, notably the NHS. Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, has said and done little of interest since the referendum, and I presume that his plans for the radical reform of both the NHS and social care are well under way.

It is time to dispel all the gloom and celebrate what makes the nation great. Martin Greenwood

Bicester, Oxfordshire

SIR – In 1950, Churchill’s short manifesto concluded: “We shall make Britain once again a place in which hard work, thrift, honesty and neighbourliness are honoured and win their true reward in wide freedom underneath the law. Reverence for Christian ethics, self-respect, pride in skill and responsibility, love of home and family, devotion to our country, are the pillars upon which we base our faith.” A year later, this declaration helped the Conservatives overturn the 1945 Labour landslide and led to 13 years of Conservative government. Dr Martin Parsons

Devizes, Wiltshire

SIR – Tim Stanley is right to state that conservatism is not fascism, but the answer to it (Comment, August 15). Unfortunately the Conservative Party, notwithstanding Jacob Rees-mogg, hasn’t identified with conservative values for more than a decade.

Rather, the Tories now appear to be pursuing fringe identity politics; massive socialist-style expenditure on dubious projects such as HS2 and billions spent on overseas aid, all using borrowed money, while the country cannot seem to afford to train more nurses and doctors, adequately fund its schools and military or give its old people the security they deserve.

This may well be why Tim Stanley wants Ukip to stay on the pitch. The party may have had a tough year, but if whoever is elected leader sticks to Nigel Farage’s original advocacy of a free Britain, a limited state and controlled immigration then we can recover lost ground.

Jonathan Bullock MEP (Ukip) Geddington, Northamptonshire

SIR – It is said that those who want power are often those who are the least suitable to possess it.

Jacob Rees-mogg is a shining example of the opposite position. Christopher Pratt

Dorking, Surrey

SIR – Jacob Rees-mogg is being touted as a possible candidate for the next leader of the Conservatives.

The Tory hierarchy made a huge mistake when they chose David Cameron. The very last thing the Tories need now is yet another Etoneducated toff who probably does not know the price of a pint of milk. Martin Henry

Tye Green, Essex