United action against chemical attacks is undermined by Germany
sir – No wonder Germany declares it will take no military action over the chemical attack in Syria. The Gazprom scandal (report, April 13) lays bare the hypocrisy of the EU and Germany.
On the one hand Britain is told we can’t have a bespoke trade deal, as the same rules apply to all 27 nations. On the other, Germany “negotiates” a deal with Russia’s state-backed Gazprom to receive gas more cheaply than other EU nations. This goes against EU regulations, but, since it is Germany, a blind eye is turned, while poorer neighbours suffer far higher rates.
To add insult to injury, Germany then pushes Gazprom’s agenda with Brussels to undermine EU regulations further, yet no action is taken.
Moral cowardice and an agenda that serves Germany’s economy above all others in the EU are clear for all to see.
Having served in the military, I lived in Germany for 12 years and loved the people and the country. They have clearly lost their way. Mike Mckone
Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria sir – Watching the news and seeing the apparent willingness of France and Britain to side with President Donald Trump of the United States over the alleged chemical attack in Syria (foolish though that may seem), I wondered why Germany for all its size was not supporting the initiative.
Now I’ve read in The Daily Telegraph about the cosy arrangement that Germany has with Russia for its gas supplies, it has become clear.
Germany spends less than Britain on overseas aid, and is not, it seems, paying its correct contribution to Nato. It clearly intends to prosper to the detriment of its EU partners. George Gooden
Woodbridge, Suffolk
sir – It is all very well for various politicians and commentators to encourage Theresa May to take action against the Syrian regime without recourse to Parliament, but they could establish a precedent that, heaven forfend, could enable a future prime minister, Jeremy Corbyn, to do likewise. And goodness knows whom he would have in his sights. Michael Burke
Manchester
sir – At this dangerous moment for Britain and the world, we should recall that a month ago the Government was considering scrapping key naval ships and a Royal Marine commando. Malcolm Allen
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
sir – I expect an American President to be statesmanlike, dignified, measured and a model of integrity in times of international crisis.
Instead we are treated to outbursts of a kind that one would expect from a precocious but immature sixth-former. Richard Cousens
Monkton Deverill, Wiltshire
sir – If the Russians did interfere to help Mr Trump win the US presidency, are they now regretting their actions? Anthony Whitehead
Bristol