Divisive rhetoric could sway many MPs
IT was a win for democracy and the rule of law when the Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled the prorogation of Parliament unlawful.
The judgment was not about Brexit but about a Prime Minister frustrating the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional duties.
But, far from showing humility and contrition, Boris Johnson came blustering back into Parliament saying the Court got it wrong and doubling down on the divisive rhetoric heard before. MPs and observers were shocked by his Trumpish performance, particularly his dismissal of the worries of MPs who have received death threats.
This is a Prime Minister and Government with no shame.
Jack Haynes writes about the “democratic vote to leave the EU” without mentioning the leave campaign’s programme of misinformation and lies or the fact that 17.4m people (many of whom have since died) is little more than a third of the electorate (Viewpoints, September 26).
Boris Johnson’s recent outburst means that many more MPs, including those up to now hostile to the idea of a second referendum, have come round to the idea that this is the only way to break the deadlock. Let’s have that first, then a General Election. Geoff Kerr, Littleborough
Court ruling not impartial
BRENDAN Hynes poured scorn on our system of government - except it isn’t (Viewpoints, September 25)!
The balance of powers between Monarchy, Parliament and a Judiciary based on impartiality to sustain the law has ensured minimum rebellion and civil disorder compared with the rest of Europe for 400 years.
Proroguing Parliament was based on sound legal advice of being lawful and constitutional, according to long-standing precedence. Therefore the government has not broken any previous law, unless the Supreme Court has just created one.
It could be accused of ignoring convention; but then there was no furore when shamelessly biased Speaker Bercow treated historical convention with arrogant contempt.
The Supreme Court has breached its impartial mandate to deliver justice without political interference; unlike the EU where the European Court of Justice is undeniably political to enhance the centralising power of the unelected Commission.
It is also dictatorial top down Napoleonic law, compared with British moderate bottom up Common law; which is another reason for our relative civility in the face of angry Brexit passions.
David Cameron has stated in his recent book how he became increasingly frustrated with the EU’s hypocritical, corrupt behaviour and whenever there was pressure to transfer power to Brussels, lawyers found a way; but taking back powers, the same lawyers opposed it.
Enough said! Bill Newham, Worsley
EU wants us to remain
I AGREE with the letter from Pete Gardner when he says that the best reason for us leaving the EU is the fact that it desperately wants us to stay (Viewpoints, September 26).
It doesn’t love us. It loves only itself. It just wants to continue recieving the £17bn a year that we are pouring into its coffers. Cynic, Salford
We deserve better buses
GARY Nolan, Chief Executive of One Bus writes, at extreme length, the reasons why he believes that “to franchise the Bus Service in Greater Manchester” is not a good idea - in his opinion (Viewpoints, September 26).
He rants so much that one feels that “he protesteth too much”!
I’ll keep my reply more brief. Bringing us in line with the excellent London public transport is what the people of Manchester deserve.
It appears that his opinion is that the people of Manchester should carry on putting up with the lousy service that he, and his cronies, currently provide. M. Ratcliffe, Worsley
Green Flag for cemetery
GORTON cemetery has once again achieved the national Green Space award the Green Flag for the 11th year running – which is absolutely fantastic.
Gorton was the first cemetery in Manchester to attain this special award and has helped the rest of the city’s cemeteries to follow suit .
The Green Flag will be proudly raised in Gorton cemetery on Friday, October 4 at 2pm by the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
Local councillors along with community group representatives will also be in attendance.
It’s a special day and congratulations to all involved including cemetery manager Jim birch and all his dedicated staff. Allan Grafton, Chair, Gorton events