Corbyn’s idealism is incompatible with the demands of modern defence

SIR – Labour’s policy on defence appears to be that military action will only be sanctioned if the British mainland is under threat.

This is dangerous in the extreme, and completely misunderstands current threats, especially those posed by jihadists.

Can Jeremy Corbyn really be as unworldly and naive as he seems? Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (retd) Melksham, Wiltshire

SIR – Having glanced at Mr Corbyn’s draft manifesto, it appears that he is scared stiff by the thought of becoming Prime Minister, and has done everything in his power to avoid such an eventuality. Peter Jordan Pinner, Middlesex

SIR – Labour’s manifesto contains plans that will cost billions of pounds, but the party has not explained in detail how these will be paid for.

I suggest the following is likely: first, they will come for the wealthy on £80,000 a year. Then they will come for those on £40,000. Then they will come for the rest of us. Be warned. Ted Shorter Hildenborough, Kent

SIR – Labour’s plan to increase taxes for those earning £80,000 a year or more is likely to be counterproductive.

Evidence shows that excessive taxation leads to higher levels of tax avoidance, and will not affect those individuals and organisations who use the services of accountants to reduce their tax liabilities. It is, in effect, a tax upon endeavour and industry.

It is vital, however, that the Conservative Party does not allow itself to be portrayed as the defender of those earning incomes which are several times greater than the national average.

An effective strategy for the Tories would be to vow to remove as many low and average earners as possible from income tax liability. I suspect most people have no time for the Marxism of Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, but are concerned about wealth distribution and its effect on their everyday lives.

Every effort must be made by Theresa May to publicise the fact that the Conservatives support the majority, not a privileged minority. Keeley-Jasmine Cavendish London SE21

SIR – I am a Conservative, but am very concerned that the hard Left has been allowed to hijack the Labour Party.

It is healthy to have an effective opposition. Labour has sacrificed its opportunity to be one. Andrew Lewis Kettering, Northamptonshire

SIR – I am getting tired of hearing Theresa May telling us to “vote for me”. The only people who are allowed to vote for her are her constituents.

The rest of us vote for our local MP – the one we wish to represent us. Christine Saffell Feering, Essex