Witch-hunt against Boris Johnson by means of a baseless, politically motivated prosecution
SIR – It is time for all who support Brexit, and Remainers who support democracy, to stand beside Boris Johnson, the victim of an astonishing political witch-hunt, the like of which I hoped never to see in this country. Mark Robbins
Bruton, Somerset
SIR – The public have just shown to anyone who doubted it that they have lost all faith in Parliament. The judiciary is now intent on ensuring they lose all faith in it by jumping into a political row with no thought as to its impact on the country. Peter Hadlow
Torquay, Devon
SIR – The legal proceedings brought by Marcus Ball against Boris Johnson, which a judge has just referred to the Crown Court, are examples of the lengths to which the anti-brexit movement will go to frustrate the will of the people. It all raises massive issues around the right to free speech.
Can we now expect a Brexitmotivated crowdfunding operation to prosecute members of the Government behind the taxpayerfunded mendacious document sent to every household warning of dire consequences if people voted Leave, none of which came to pass? Sir Gerald Howarth
Chelsworth, Suffolk
SIR – Shame on District Judge Margot Coleman for allowing this ridiculous misuse of the judicial system for political ends. Mr Ball has manipulated Remainers into funding this farce in his pathetic attempt to prevent Brexit by accusing Boris Johnson of misconduct in public office. Amanda Malas
Hartley, Kent
SIR – Imagine the scenario: Boris Johnson and Tony Blair sharing a cell in Wormwood Scrubs, one talking about EU contributions, the other justifying WMD. Tony Haworth
Porthcawl, Glamorgan SIR – May we assume that Marcus Ball will move on to prosecute Theresa May for being “wrong to say”, admittedly only 108 times, that Britain would leave the EU on March 29? Philip J Ashe
Garforth, West Yorkshire
SIR – If Boris Johnson is prosecuted, so also should be the authors of Project Fear. These would include the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Governor of the Bank of England. David Ayres
Stamford, Lincolnshire
SIR – It seems that, in this case, use was made of the United Kingdom’s gross weekly contribution (£350 million) to the EU, not the net figure after any rebate. The famous Leave bus also stated: “Let’s take back control.”
The whole point is that the EU has complete control over the gross stated amount, including any rebate, which can be changed or removed at will.
An example of this is Tony Blair’s negotiation of a deal with the EU to reform the Common Agricultural Policy. The price for this was a significant reduction in the UK rebate. The EU reneged on the deal but reduced the rebate anyway.
This example demonstrates that there is no case for Boris Johnson to answer, as his message represents the reality of our relationship with the EU. David Julier
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
SIR – If all politicians tell only complete truths the silence will be wonderful. Maurice Napier
Arbroath, Angus
SIR – If, as you report, Marcus Ball spent £50,000 of donations on branded cupcakes, hotels, a gymnasium and self-defence lessons and has deleted potentially embarrassing blogs, he sounds admirably suited to become a Member of Parliament at the earliest possible opportunity. David Etherington QC
London EC4