You’re no longer a private citizen, Lord Cameron, so start talking

David Cameron, restored to government by virtue of the desperation of Rishi Sunak and the all-too-convenient facility of a seat in the Lords, is reminding us of his Tory credentials.

In particular, the scandal surrounding his time with lobbying client Greensill Capital.

It is alleged that he made himself many millions of pounds by accessing government connections on Greensill’s behalf. Yet he refuses to disclose the amounts involved because he was a “private citizen” not in government when he “earned” them.

Well, he is in government now.

Greensill’s failure was estimated by a parliamentary inquiry in 2021 to have cost taxpayers up to £5bn and possibly more. Cameron appears to have been a facilitator.

Some think that the matter was clearly corrupt and that its legality should be more thoroughly scrutinised and, if appropriate, impose more stringent penalties.

I agree that it seems barely sufficient for a parliamentary investigation to find that Lord Cameron had shown a “significant lack of judgement” over the lobbying saga. An insignificant observation in context. Little more than a slap on the wrist for a naughty ex-prime minister, who is now (possibly) £10m or so better off in consequence, relative to a £5bn-plus taxpayer slap in the face.

David Nelmes

Newport

With all the strife and uncertainty currently abounding in Britain, Tory MPs are still advocating that time, money and effort be spent on passing the Rwanda legislation.

Simon Clarke, an ex-cabinet minister under Liz Truss, is reported as saying, “We either deliver on small boats or we will be destroyed.” As though it were a mantra and paramount in the nation’s needs. It doesn’t matter how many times Sunak and his acolytes chant that mantra it will not buy votes. The Conservatives will be judged on past performance and will be found wanting.

They will be “destroyed” for their incompetence, for their lies, proroguing, for the fall in our standard of living, for Partygate, and for their Covid-19 mismanagement. They cannot blame anyone but themselves. They have blatantly, endlessly lied to the electorate with callous disregard for our welfare and needs.

Sunak and his party have chosen “five key” action areas which are out of key with the needs of the British public. Hopefully, Labour’s plans will put the British people first and will govern this country fairly, for the whole of Britain and not just the 1 per cent.

Keith Poole

Basingstoke

What an indictment on our government for not delaying parliament for one paltry hour, so members of all parties could pay their respects at Betty Boothroyd’s memorial service. This is so mean-spirited and indeed disrespectful to the late Baroness Boothroyd, who made such a significant difference and was the first female speaker.

This decision will not play out well with the country, as we all had such great respect for this titan of a politician. This is I feel emblematic of a government that has lost its way. I agree wholeheartedly with Dame Diana Johnson that it is a mistake, and if there isn’t a change of heart, one they will rue. Placing politics before rightful and decent behaviour is not the way to proceed.

Judith A. Daniels

Norfolk

Nikki Haley is Donald Trump’s biggest threat, followed closely by former governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis. One only needs to look at the evidence provided by conservative political news websites like Breitbart, portraying Haley as “parroting leftist talking points” on the climate crisis causing mass migration of people.

While the far right is throwing its weight behind DeSantis or a return for Trump, Haley is better positioned to appeal to those more centres and likely to swing away from the Democrats.

Angus West

Address Supplied