Poison attack

SIR – The release of a small amount of nerve agent has been enough to close part of Salisbury for a week already and to require the deployment of up to 200 nuclear, biological and chemical warfare troops – which constitutes a major part of this specialist group.

If, at a time of heightened tension between us and a hostile power, it were to release a similar agent at half a dozen transport hubs such as railway stations and airports, our nuclear, biological and chemical defences would be overwhelmed and our transport infrastructure crippled.

What will it take for Westminster to reverse decades of defence cuts which are perceived by hostile powers as an open invitation to aggressive acts?

Clive Kent

Heathfield, East Sussex

SIR – It is time that Britain, together with the United States and other allies, proposed to the UN General Assembly that Russia should be stripped of its permanent membership (and right of veto) in the Security Council.

Permanent Members were appointed as the victims of aggression in the Second World War, which gave rise to the creation of the UN. As such, they have a moral duty to set a good example to other member states and to assist, not obstruct, the UN in its functions.

This, Russia has repeatedly failed to do, not only in Afghanistan, but in various bits of the Caucasus, Ukraine and currently Syria. Now there are state-sponsored murders outside its territory. Enough is enough.

Norman Baker

Tonbridge, Kent