Boris Johnson’s critics fail to see that Brexit means regaining full control over national spending
SIR – Those criticising Boris Johnson over his claim that Britain would take back control of £350million per week after Brexit (report, September 18) have overlooked Jean-claude Juncker’s recent speech.
The president of the European Commission advocated a rapid advance to complete political union (which always was the objective of the EU), with no opt-outs and all countries using the euro. It seems likely that, if we remained in the EU, our rebate would soon disappear.
In any case, the fact that some of the money currently comes back into this country is not relevant. The control of that money is not in the hands of our elected Parliament. When we leave the EU, our elected representatives can dispose of the money as they see fit.
Malvern, Worcestershire
SIR – While dismissing Mr Johnson’s maths, Sir David Norgrove, from the UK Statistics Authority, misses entirely the absurdity of handing £350million a week over to an unelected body before accepting half of it back.
Bob Stebbings
Chorleywood, Hertfordshire
SIR – If, as Sir David claims, we don’t give the EU anything like what Mr Johnson claims, why is the EU demanding such an exorbitant “hostage release fee” to set us free?
Ian Wallace
Whitley Bay, Northumberland
SIR – Amber Rudd has accused Mr Johnson of being a “back-seat driver” on Brexit.
Surely, as Foreign Secretary, he should be in the front seat of Brexit negotiations, with a back seat reserved for others such as the Home Secretary.
Jackie Kitchingman
Altrincham, Cheshire
SIR – Theresa May should step down as Prime Minister. On the few occasions that she speaks, her delivery is weak and faltering – which betrays her lack of political conviction and leadership.
She is not able to control her top team and, as a former Remainer, she convinces no one (least of all EU negotiators) of her ability to deliver a successful Brexit.
Nigel Dyson
Alton, Hampshire
SIR – Is it time for Boris to do a Jeremy and tidy himself up?
Bryan Hird
Ramsey, Isle of Man
SIR – Mr Johnson lists our worldleading universities, financial centre, defence forces and tech zone as examples of our greatness. We can, indeed, be immensely proud.
And yes, friends, we’ve achieved such greatness as members of the EU.
He then goes on to belittle Britain by suggesting we have held little influence within the EU. He repeats his claims about the money – as much a sham as was his promise that EU nationals would be unaffected by a Leave vote. He blames our problems on EU rigidities, but notes that France – subject to “EU rigidities” – does much better at infrastructure. We will take back control, but maintain EU market standards over which we’ll no longer have any influence.
But I forgive Mr Johnson his muddled thinking. He has never focused on the details of EU membership. He couldn’t decide between remaining or leaving until the last minute. The EU has only ever been used to further his career. Cheap shots at Brussels paid his way as a journalist, and now he uses Brexit in his naked bid to become prime minister. Our nation’s future is too important to be left to his whims.
Philip A Oakes
London NW3
SIR – Much as I like and admire Jacob Rees-mogg, I cannot see him as the next prime minister. But as chancellor to Boris’s prime minister? Now that would be a formidable pairing of great minds – and perfect for Brexit.
Telford, Shropshire