Our participation in European elections shows up MPS’ incompetence
SIR – Today the country goes to the polls to vote in elections that shouldn’t be happening, for MEPS who may only represent us for a few months.
As a result, many schools have been closed to act as polling stations for the day and many parents have had to take time off work to look after their children. The Electoral Commission has printed numerous ballot sheets, as well as hiring people to count the votes cast and to work in the polling stations.
This represents a huge expense to the country and it is due to our elected MPS’ inability to get their act together and deliver the will of the people, as expressed almost three years ago. Jon Green
Gillingham, Kent
SIR – I am ashamed to admit that I have never voted in a European election before.
I shall be voting first thing this morning. Alan White
Ham Green, Worcestershire SIR – As Parliament dissolved into chaos following the 2016 referendum, I was waiting for a statesman or stateswoman to arise from the ashes and focus on the real issues facing our beleaguered country.
That it has taken Nigel Farage to bring focus is a terrible indictment of the British Parliament. The bulk of those rushing to support the Brexit Party are surely not voting for Mr Farage, but for the delivery of the referendum outcome. Mik Shaw
Goring-by-sea, West Sussex
SIR – I do not in any way, shape or form support Nigel Farage and his motley crew – but given that I wish to stick two fingers up to the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal (un)democrats, what alternative do I have? Bill Winward
Calne, Wiltshire
SIR – The Daily Telegraph is to be congratulated for hosting what is likely to have been “the winners’ debate” between Nigel Farage and Sir Vince Cable – as, indeed, are the participants. It was civilised, informative, good-humoured, robust and engaging. I was also pleased to see the chairman adopting a low-key approach and not attempting to impede the free flow of ideas by letting his own agenda intrude.
It is a shame that our national broadcasters seem unable to provide such quality coverage throughout the election cycle, preferring a rather more downmarket approach. At times, I have half expected Jeremy Kyle to be redeployed. Martin Sewell
Gravesend, Kent
SIR – Given the less than edifying behaviour of politicians on both sides of the House during the Brexit debate, perhaps one of our opera companies might care to capitalise on this national disgrace by producing Dame Ethel Smyth’s The Wreckers. Peter Kemp
Marlow, Buckinghamshire