Letter: Major's confused definition of Back to Basics issues
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Lord Hailsham's clear legal mind should be a help in the present confusion about the content of the Back to Basics programme. In his autobiography, published in 1990, he defined natural morality as:
Respect for parents' authority and one's neighbours' rights, kindness, patriotism, courage, responsible sexual behaviour, respect for the environment, respect for one's own body, truth-telling, financial integrity, loyalty to friendships, tolerance of differences of opinion, openness of discussion, and forbearance to intrude into the private lives of others.
He compiles this list as a summary of 'the philosophia perennis, the eternal philosophy', which he expressed in the context of his own Christian faith but saw as an indispensable basis for any human community. It is a good list, far better than recent ad hoc ones. It is not an optional extra if we want to have a viable community life into the 21st century.
Yours sincerely,
DAVID RJ EVANS
South American Missionary Society
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent
10 January
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments