Council clots

decision in large enough numbers. Theresa May does not seem to be the wiry strategist that is needed for a difficult moment. And Remain Tory MPS have bought into the responsible views that a lid must be kept in spending, and a new election could lead to Jeremy Corbyn, while allowing Leave MPS to get away with claiming that their popularity justifies their irresponsibility.

Our only hope is that Parliamentary arithmetic emboldens anti-hard Brexit MPS to rebel (during debates) in a way which asserts (and reminds the public of) the Sovereignty of Parliament. Sadly, I recall how tame Parliament was at the time of Tony Blair’s dodgy dossier, when the claim about strategic threat was poorly discussed. The short term damage of Brexit has yet to fully materialise.

The pain of Brexit may help European countries to row back on the growing tide of economic nationalism – and bring some careers to an end. When that happens all boats may again float.

ANDREW VASS Corbiehill Place, Edinburgh The chief accountant of Edinburgh City Council took to the airwaves to announce they needed to cut spending to claw back their deficit. I thought he might mention stopping “vanity projects”, selling empty council offices, and all the other money pits so beloved of all councils.the first one mentioned was cutting back on bin collections! The one service we all use and we all need. Well done. We can then use this this as an added bonus to our tourists. Come to 21stcentury Edinburgh and relive the sights and smells of the past. And for that little bit extra, courtesy of the council, we have rats.