Why I fear Corbyn’ s just as dangerous as Trump
WHEN I read the election pamphlet from my local Labour candidate, I was excited: 10,000 more police officers? A million new homes by the end of the next Parliament? £30 billion injected into the NHS and the establishment of a National Care Service? The abolition of university tuition fees? Free childcare? Lower rail fares? All amazing.
It’s a utopia that should get everyone’s vote — and that’s the problem. It’s part of a wave of pseudo-political populism whereby a charismatic politician makes promises unencumbered by reason and undeterred by doubt. Every part of society has been promised a benefit.
I accept Jeremy Corbyn is not saying he will build a wall or stating climate change is a hoax, but his contentions are just as dangerous as Trump’s.
A historian would point to the Seventies when nationalised industries proved to be a disaster. In Venezuela, similar policies have obliterated the economy and left thousands unable to buy basic necessities.
An economist would do some simple sums and find the monetary deficit. And business would ask why companies should pay more taxes when they are free to move anywhere in the world.
How is Labour going to persuade the superpowers to give up nuclear weapons? How are they going to ensure the deficit does not increase?
These questions can’t be answered, which is why I’m voting Conservative. DOMINIC LANE, Bodmin, Cornwall.
Shame on Corbyn
I AM appalled that Jeremy Corbyn should attempt to score cheap political points by calling for Theresa May’s resignation over police numbers in the aftermath of Saturday night’s dreadful incident.
The police response of eight minutes from arrival to job done was, to say the least, incredible.
Even if police numbers had been 1,000 higher the end result could not have been achieved more quickly.
It was impossible for anyone to legislate for the mindless actions of the three fanatical terrorists who were the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
The police, in the hours following the wanton destruction of life, should be commended for making numerous arrests in a very short time frame after the event.
Let us never forget that Mr Corbyn voted against the introduction of terrorist legislation designed to apply tighter controls in incidents such as that of Saturday night. DENNIS A. HALL, Errol, Perthshire.
Held to ransom
DURING the Winter of Discontent in the Seventies, this country was held to ransom by strikers. Power cuts were frequent making life with two young children very difficult.
Luckily, we had an open fire, so at least I could give them something hot to eat, even if it was only soup or beans by candlelight.
The streets were full of rubbish, the bereaved couldn’t bury their loved ones and transport was sporadic. This country limped along.
So, when you cast your vote, remember it isn’t just Jeremy Corbyn you are putting in No10, but Unite trades union leader Len McCluskey and his friends.
J. AMOS, Bexleyheath, Kent.
No to referendums
BOTH the SNP and the Lib Dems are fighting this election with promises of more referendums on Scottish independence and Brexit respectively. Both discount the results of previous referendums by arguing that changed circumstances have invalidated the prospectus that people thought they were voting on.
Well, I also feel conned because both referendums were sold to us as a way of settling divisive political questions – remember Alex Salmond’s talk of the ‘settled will of the Scottish people’ and a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity?
But circumstances always change, the will of the people is as settled as the latest opinion poll, and if you don’t like the result of a referendum, you can always find a reason to demand a rerun.
Referendums are the political version of Pandora’s Box. On Thursday, Scottish voters will be asked to turn out for the eleventh time since 2010. No wonder promises of yet more referendums have gone down like lead balloons with anyone who isn’t a diehard nationalist or EU-lover.
As we struggle to come to terms with a reinvigorated terrorist threat, the need for political stability at home is greater than ever.
Talk of more referendums is not merely a distraction from the day job. It also hobbles representative democracy
LINDA HOLT, Anstruther, Fife.
Leaders lacking
THE choice in this election is between someone who presided over drastic cuts to police numbers; someone who consorted with the IRA and Hamas; and someone who supports the legalisation of prostitution and whose Christian principles are negotiable.
What a limited choice at a time when a leader of real stature and competence is required.
ADEYEMI BANJO, London SE15.
Tories, take note
THE Tories need to highlight two issues to win support. They must announce a massive reduction in foreign aid and highlight the fact that Mr Corbyn plans a land value tax — or garden tax — to replace council tax and business rates. It will hit London and the SouthEast, not Labour heartlands.
Mrs TRUDY DRAPER, Ashurst Wood, W. Sussex.
Cameron lying low
WHY is it that all we have seen in this election period from David Cameron is pictures of his and his wife’s toes?
Could it be that, like Hillary Clinton, he is unable to accept the will of the people (aka the referendum) and is unwilling to support the Conservative Party that he previously led?
His silence in support of Theresa May is deafening – perhaps he really thinks that Jeremy Corbyn is a better successor. Or could it be that his personal desire for her failure matters more? His former deputy Nick Clegg appears to be available on speed dial. ELAINE MCKIE, Address supplied.
Debt collection
JEREMY CORBYN is playing to a spoon-fed audience brought up to expect cradle-to-grave care.
As an OAP with a bus pass, the Winter Fuel Payment and state pension triple lock, why should I worry? Well, I feel only the very poorest should be entitled to this. The money could be better spent helping poorer families.
The £250 billion Labour wants to spend on infrastructure will not contribute to the deficit, but go straight onto the national debt.
Mr Corbyn has said public sector workers will receive large pay rises. One teachers’ union has already said they are 14 per cent worse off due to austerity.
Multiply this across the public sector and it’s astronomical.
RON HILDITCH, Cavendish, Suffolk.
Peace at last?
I AM a Conservative voter, but I support Jeremy Corbyn’s reluctance to engage in nuclear war.
When the country is mourning deaths in terror attacks, we should be mindful of too much criticism of a politician who prefers a pacifist approach.
CLIVE FAULKNER, Sutton Coldfield, W. Mids.