Readers have voiced strong opinions on Labour’s defence policy following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey. Healey quit in protest over a 0.08 per cent increase in defence spending, describing it as ‘well short of what is required’.
Defence and Health Need Cross-Party Support
Roger Morris from Mitcham argued that re-armament is not a choice, but how to pay for it is a political decision requiring cuts or tax rises. He stated: ‘Both are unpalatable but the fact is that we have no choice – tax rises are inevitable.’ Morris highlighted that the government has delayed defence spending yet again, frustrating US presidents.
He added: ‘Defence and health need to have cross-party support. A consensus on funding both is a critical national priority.’
Belfast Violence Condemned
Nathan Hazlett from Sunderland expressed disgust at mob violence in Belfast, calling it a ‘modern-day pogrom’. He criticised figures like Tommy Robinson, Nigel Farage, Rupert Lowe and Elon Musk for normalising thuggery, even if they do not directly incite violence.
Nicholas Taylor from Hove pointed out a paradox: ‘When the rioters in Belfast trip over a brick or burn themselves with their own Molotov cocktails, they will find themselves in A&E and depending on the very immigrant workers they seek to expel.’
Immigration Hypocrisy
A reader named George from Tyne & Wear noted that Donald Trump, JD Vance and Elon Musk are themselves immigrants or descendants of immigrants. He wrote: ‘Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think either Donald Trump, JD Vance or Elon Musk are ‘native’ Americans. Like the vast majority of Americans, they themselves are second, third, fourth, fifth generation immigrants.’
AI CVs and Vetting
Ashis Banerjee from London commented on the rise of AI in recruitment: ‘So, AI job assistants will draft CVs, which in turn be vetted by AI agents, for jobs that have been or could well be replaced by AI. This sounds like a jolly good idea.’
1996 vs 2026
Nick from Jersey responded to a previous letter comparing 1996 and 2026. He noted that while some statistics show improvement, evolution brings both positives and negatives. He said: ‘It would be interesting to read his opinion in 2056 and how it might compare with this year. I’ll be 90, so will just be glad to still be alive.’
Summer Missing
Maggie from Harrow lamented the lack of summer weather, paraphrasing singer Raye: ‘Baby / Where the hell is my summer / What’s taking it so long / To find me?’
