The charge of the light-up brigade could spell trouble for Sunak

It is reported that in yesterday’s vote on the smoking ban, “The prime minister relied on Labour votes to see off opponents on his own benches, led by the former PM Liz Truss, winning by 383 votes to 67.”

Notably, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman were in the 67. Penny Mordaunt, another aspirant for the lucrative premiership, abstained. Truss who has already – and disastrously – enjoyed the benefits of the office led the charge of the light-up brigade. Enough said.

The margin of victory may well prove reflective of the likely outcome of the next general election, perhaps?

David Nelmes

Newport

The Independent’s editorial today fills me with despair! The only good thing that has come out of this Tory government is declared “illiberal”.

I spent my working life teaching students chemistry; a good proportion of it in the laboratory. We had rules, totally illiberal, applied rigorously, just for personal safety. Everybody wore safety glasses and a lab coat. No exceptions.

We have rules when driving to and from work, and we obey the law for our protection with seat belts on. No exceptions.

So, rules to stop smokers from endangering their own lives are just as necessary and should have no exceptions, despite the outcry.

The ban on smoking will produce a healthier population, which should be the aim of every government. The announcement is only good news for the future.

Robert Murray

Nottingham

Smoking is a long-term problem and cannot just be tinkered with, but the government has for once hit the nail on the head. The ban will eventually get rid of this evil surge, quicker if prices for cigarettes are increased in tandem.

Moreover, I live in the hope that the cross-party support that got this bill passed, can also help reform our NHS and social care service. Instead of playing political “ping-pong”, just bang heads together for another long-term and lasting solution. Our health and well-being surely deserve this.

Roger Nelson

Surrey

Tory privatisation experiments have been showing their deformed, rapacious and monstrous heads for decades now.

Anyone, like me, unfortunate enough to be a fan of train travel for all the right reasons, will be finding that experience utterly depressing at the moment, as services stagnate and prices spiral out of control.

Regulators are proving useless – as you’ll know if you’ve ever tried to use the ombudsmen services in relation to rail, telecommunications, or any of the other national infrastructure projects sold off to the highest bidder.

But Thames Water has gone one step further (fans of Tory privatisation take note) having mismanaged and underinvested for decades – they are now trying to outsource the debt they’ve deliberately amassed while paying huge dividends to shareholders – mainly a Dutch finance company.

And who would be funding the interest on this deal? The public, of course!

Amanda Baker

Edinburgh

The UK and Nato allies must find quicker ways to fund Ukraine other than lobbying US Congress for the release of $60bn funding blocked by Republican supporters, who are clearly unaware of the far greater cost if Russia wins this war.

All Nato governments should lose no time in persuading private lenders to pay or loan the funds critically needed for Ukraine’s defence.

It’s hard to believe that the super-rich haven’t already seized this unique opportunity to become the heroes of our time. With their resources they could help defend our right to live in freedom in a democracy, under the rule of law.

Trevor Lyttleton

London

The rise of extreme right-wing politics is extremely worrying across Western democracies, especially as their politicians seem able to dismiss truths and spread or perpetuate conspiracy theories without any hesitation.

A prime example was Truss, who yesterday had the audacity to blame others for her total failure as prime minister. How she has the gall to look people in the eye, when their financial situations have become perilous as a direct result of her disastrous budget, is beyond belief.

Labour need to think very carefully. If they get to power the poisoned chalice awaits and it’s unlikely they can turn things around before the next election. This, the absence of any residual sensible Tory party, will leave a huge void for the extreme right-wing.

It’s my opinion that Kier Starmer should give serious consideration to a reform of our voting system so that we have a proportional representative democracy. Such might afford some defence against the dangers ahead. Too many voters are disenfranchised under our current system.

Where I live, my party is unlikely to ever get representation, which is simply unfair. Every time I write to my elected MP, all I get is a pre-prepared reply and no actual reasoned response. What’s the point? However, we must not give up. To paraphrase: evil thrives when the silent majority remain silent.

Simon Watson

Worcestershire