Ukip ‘entryists’ are really Conservatives returning to their natural home
SIR – Remain-supporting Conservative MPS such as Anna Soubry, Dominic Grieve and Nicky Morgan are becoming rattled at what they term “entryism” into their party by Ukippers (report, August 30).
They should not be: it is these MPS’ fault that the Conservative Party is divided against itself, as they have acted like Liberal Democrats in their determination to stay in the undemocratic institution that is the EU. It was for this reason that thousands of Tories first flocked to Ukip. In rejoining the Conservative Party they are therefore not “entryists” but “returnists”, and should be treated with the respect they deserve. Simon Holder
Salisbury, Wiltshire
SIR – Am I to understand that the likes of Anna Soubry believe membership of the Conservative Party should be restricted to those who have always voted Conservative (or never voted at all)? If former Ukip and Labour voters wish to join, surely that is a good thing. Brexit has caused significant realignment, and the Conservative Party had better recognise that before it’s too late. Justice Hawkins
Nottingham
SIR – Michael Deacon’s column headed “Tories infiltrated by Tories? Now there’s a strange thought” (Comment, September 1) hits the nail on the head.
Both I and my late husband ran small businesses, and have a naturally conservative turn of mind. For more than 40 years I have voted Conservative in every general election.
Recently I applied to join the Conservative Party in South Leicestershire, and received a welcome pack and membership card. However, last Tuesday I got an email telling me that my membership had been declined. No explanation was offered. Admittedly I am a keen Brexiteer, and while that view may not be flavour of the month at Conservative Campaign Headquarters I am merely supporting a Conservative
manifesto commitment, which hardly merits exclusion.
After this slap in the face from the party, I shall think very carefully before voting Tory again. Sheila Iyer-hilditch
Lutterworth, Leicestershire
SIR – Theresa May has said that she will refuse to be forced into agreeing compromises on her Brexit plan that are not in the national interest (Comment, September 2). Sadly, she has yet to realise that there is a widely held view that her Brexit plan is itself not in the national interest. Steve Siddall
Holt, Wiltshire
SIR – “Matt is away” is often cited as the three most depressing words in the English language.
However, Theresa May’s sevenword statement “I’m in this for the long term” (report, August 29) takes the biscuit. Tony Manning
Barton-on-sea, Hampshire