Lenin’s ‘useful idiots’

SIR – “Useful idiots” is a phrase attributed to Lenin. It would seem that Jeremy Corbyn, John Mcdonnell and others might fit that description well. Philip Roberts

Caernarfon

SIR – It comes as no surprise to hear of a Czech spy’s alleged overtures to Jeremy Corbyn in his Islington constituency in the 1980s. In neighbouring Holborn and St Pancras, in the Camden Labour Party office where I was a youthful volunteer, we had a visit from a Czech “diplomat”. He arrived unexpectedly, saying he was interested in learning about our election process. He brought a gift, a large cut-crystal Czechoslovak vase. After he left, we inspected it carefully for bugs, then immersed it in very hot water, just in case. Rosalind Russell

Lesbury Northumberland

SIR – The BBC’S coverage of inappropriate behaviour, such as that of Sir Michael Fallon for “kneetouching”, seemed endless, yet we have seen and heard precious little of Corbyn’s alleged more serious dealings with a Czech “diplomat”. Why? Ray Lines

Romsey, Hampshire

SIR – I have always wondered about the motive, leaving aside the allures of his pillion passenger, for Mr Corbyn taking a motorcycle holiday in Honecker’s East Germany. Stephen Wallis

Billericay, Essex