Boris Johnson and the conspiracy that left Julius Caesar ‘dead in a ditch’
sir – Historians say that, when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army in 49 BC, he had good reason, as the Senate was corrupt and elitist. (In fact he aligned himself with the Populares party, which represented the people.)
Caesar was slain in March 44 BC. He was 55 years old. The impact of his death was the opposite of what the conspirators had intended, and there was a civil war. All the conspirators came to a very sticky end.
Boris Johnson’s predicament has much to do with Parliament’s desire to support a corrupt, elitist and unaccountable EU against the will of the people. This month the conspirators in Parliament will seek to “slay” Mr Johnson. He too will be 55 years old.
If history were to repeat itself, what might be the fate of the main conspirators and their supporters? Michael Mason
Nottingham
sir – On Monday night voters witnessed one of the most disgraceful and dismal episodes in parliamentary history. Victoria Baillon
Hornblotton, Somerset
sir – As an Australian with a keen interest in constitutional law, it seemed to me passing strange that the legislature could effectively dictate to the Queen’s chief adviser the content of the advice he proffered to the Sovereign.
There is little doubt that in Australia or in Canada, a prime minister could advise a governor-general (the Queen’s representative) not to give Royal Assent to any Bill passed by the Houses of Parliament. If the Lower House disagreed with this advice, a motion of no confidence is the obvious remedial response.
I confess to being curious as to why the position in the United Kingdom is apparently different.
Hon Justice MBJ Lee
Federal Court of Australia Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
sir – I was interested to hear my name and case referred to with reference to the 21 MPS who voted against the Government last week.
In 2005 following my case, the party chairman and the chairman of the 1922 Committee put in place an appeal procedure to ensure a “fair trial”. I suggest the Government should check whether the Clause 81 appeal procedure applies in the current circumstances.
I make three points. The Government is certainly entitled to discipline disloyal MPS seeking to block the UK’S EU exit.
I think it is important for the Government not to be perceived as acting disproportionately.
The Government should consider offering the 21 a “forgiveness deal” set against a pledge that they will support the Conservative election manifesto. Lord Flight
London SW1
sir – The 21 Tory MPS who had the whip removed are constantly referred to as “moderates”. This is puzzling.
What is moderate about aligning with a Marxist Leader of the Opposition in order to prevent the Government from delivering on the result of a referendum? The behaviour of these individuals is nothing short of revolutionary. Paul Dyer
London SW18
sir – The Conservative Party is unelectable without Boris Johnson leading it.
It will also be unelectable if the cabal of 21 returns to its ranks. Why would I support a party that allows MPS to ignore both the referendum result and the manifesto promises on which they were elected, when I can vote for a Brexit Party candidate who will keep their word? Howard Jones
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
sir – I get the impression that the more MPS leave the Conservative Party, the more popular the party becomes. John Prodger
Burgess Hill, West Sussex
sir – I cannot believe that MPS now want to publish the no-deal preparation plans. I assume they would have requested publication of D-day plans so that Hitler could have read them.
Not only are MPS choosing to ignore the will of voters, even those in their own constituencies, but they are also withholding support for the Government in its talks with the EU.
Parliament is out of touch with the people – and with reality. By preventing an election, MPS are preventing people from voting them out. So what has British democracy become?
Drastic measures are required to restore political integrity. Parliament needs to change, though hopefully not by violent means, as in the 17th century. Anthony Aldridge
Poynton, Cheshire
sir – The fact that we have no written constitution does not mean that there is no constitution, as some would appear to suggest.
The fundamental building block is the separation of powers between the executive, Parliament and the judiciary. We now see a Parliament that has grabbed the levers of power by sidelining the executive.
At the same time we see Sir John Major and others seeking interference by the courts in the process of government – an attempt that has failed and should fail.
This Parliament should become known as the Disgraceful Parliament for its endless refusal to act, and finally its shameless and unconstitutional power grab. We the people will eventually have our say, and Parliament will discover again where power rightfully lies. Jeremy Lane
Black Bourton, Oxfordshire
sir – The anguish of the resistance to Brexit will only be resolved when the powers-that-be accept that the people of the United Kingdom predominantly wish not to become citizens of a United States of Europe. There is no sufficient reason why we should ever surrender our hard-won sovereignty.
Boris Johnson’s initiatives at least have the virtue of exposing the hollowness of such failed politicians as Sir John Major and Michael Heseltine. John Redvers
Hartpury, Gloucestershire
sir – The American constitution begins with the words: “We the people...” How does the EU constitution begin? Alan Judge
Deeping St James, Lincolnshire
sir – Britain is still a member state of the EU, paying it £1 billion a month. If the Prime Minister is forced to write a letter requesting an extension to Article 50, we should be able to veto the extension and leave on October 31. Narendra Patel
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
sir – Eminent as he might be, Lord Sumption, the former Supreme Court Justice, is wrong. The law requires the Prime Minister to request an extension to Article 50. It does not preclude him from any other communication. Adam Westlake
Farnham, Surrey
sir – Labour wants a referendum – between Theresa May’s deal and Remain. Mcdonnell’s Choice makes Hobson’s Choice look positively attractive. At least with Hobson there was a “leave it” option. Catriona Wylie Carrick
Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset
sir – At last, Theresa May has got one thing right. The knighthood for Geoffrey Boycott. Shaun Whyte
Alnmouth, Northumberland