Knee-jerk policies are not the answer to this Government’s woes
sir – Charles Moore’s description (Comment, June 11) of the Prime Minister’s early actions as “transformative” reminded me of what was said about Tony Blair following his success in the general election of 1997.
Mr Blair won a huge victory, not just in terms of the number of Labour MPS elected but also in terms of the mandate from the public to change things for the better. As history records, he squandered the opportunity by focusing too heavily on short-term measures that looked good.
Sadly, Boris Johnson is in danger of doing the same. I only hope that he can address this, and have the courage to express a vision and drive it forward. Richard Hawtin
Highcliffe, Dorset
sir – When Tony Blair became prime minister, he appointed Frank Field as minister for welfare reform.
However, when push came to shove, Mr Field’s proposals were dismissed as too radical, and he resigned. He had been told to “think the unthinkable”, but political expediency won the day.
If this Government wants to survive it must accept that it will be unpopular to change public services; it must also explain to voters why it is necessary to do so. Ultimately, people will have to take more responsibility for their own health, financial security and family, and not rely on state-run agencies and ministries at every turn.
Peter Gray
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
sir – Lord Frost (Comment, June 10) wants a vision from the Prime Minister.
We’ve already had too many of the PM’S visions. What we need is action to convert them into growth and prosperity for the whole country.
Bill Halkett
Ormskirk, Lancashire
sir – The three steps which Lord Frost says Boris Johnson must take can be expressed in three words: become a Conservative.
Derek Wellman
Lincoln sir – Charles Moore makes several withering criticisms of Boris Johnson, but concludes that he should not be replaced. His reasons are that it “would be a bold step” to replace Mr Johnson, and that doing so would be “handing victory to the bureaucratic Blob”.
Well, on the first point, changing leader does carry the risk of the unknown – but, in this case, keeping the present leader carries the certainty of defeat. Secondly, the Blob is already winning, as demonstrated by net zero, high public spending and taxes, and all the nanny-state nonsense. A new leader with some backbone would be no worse at defeating the Blob, and probably better.
Tim Janman
London W6
sir – How refreshing to read that Gareth Southgate is prepared to step down as England manager if he is no longer wanted (Sport, June 11).
Are you listening, Prime Minister? Nigel Lines Ferndown, Dorset