Not so Great

The UK Government is now in the invidious position of having to put desperately needed trade deals before human rights in China and Hong Kong.

Theresa May was actually congratulated by China’s state-run media for sidestepping these issues during her current trade-seeking visit, and for putting pragmatism before criticism. They know full well that the prime minister’s silence is the price she has to pay for the UK’S stumbling lurch towards Brexit. Appeasement has always been a shameful tactic, and there are many who feel pity for Mrs May, who must know only too well how history will judge her government on these desperate measures.

The timing of the referen-dum was un fortunate. Donald Trump came looming over the horizon just six months after the country voted to leave the EU, and his behaviour and decision-making since then have led to much deliberation about the current value of our “special relationship”, in our hour of need.

The British people are now seeing the consequences of our collective decision to leave the security of a European market which has brought mutual benefits to all of us, on both sides of the Channel. Those who wanted to “make Britain great again” are now faced with the hard fact that we’re seen by others as being needy and vulnerable, and not at all great. CAROLYN TAYLOR

Wellbank Broughty Ferry, Dundee