Violent rhetoric is to be deplored

SIR, – “You salute the uniform, not the person.”

The above is taught by the military. It is a very effective and realistic principle. Some politicians should mature considerably into their professional role and adopt this principle.

Recent personal comments directed at the prime minister are offensive and totally unacceptable, especially when delivered by those whom we are expected to respect. Whether or not one likes the PM or her policies is quite irrelevant – she holds the highest political office in the country. That alone entitles her to considerable respect. Dislike of person or policy does not justify the kind of personal assault of which we have recently heard and read.

George Osbourne has held a high office of state. One would have expected better than: “I will