When it comes to Russia, there are only two possible outcomes

Much more must be done by the West to produce a united and coordinated response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, within the framework of a coherent strategic plan. If there is such a plan, it is neither apparent nor effective, and must now anticipate reduced commitment by the US if Donald Trump is re-elected. That would be unfortunate, but Europe would benefit in the long term by reinforcing its own military capacity to the point where it becomes able to support Ukraine’s needs, and ultimately defend its own borders effectively, with less reliance on America.

Ukraine cannot win with the present level of slow, fluctuating, reactive and inadequate military support. If the UK and its allies do not endow Ukraine with superior strength and enable it to exert overwhelming force (the two things Putin really understands), then peace negotiations are the only way to stop the killing. The price for this would probably mean permanent loss of territory for Ukraine and an emboldened Russia – bringing with it the potential for further conflict.

Funding the support required to transform Ukraine’s military capabilities may involve a degree of economic hardship for the UK and other allies, but the alternative if Putin prevails could be much worse. Russia is on a war footing with 40 per cent of its budget devoted to military expenditure (around 10 per cent of its GDP) and is rearming and remobilising. Funding is only one half of the equation for the West; unity and cast-iron resolve are the other vital components.

There seem to be only two realistic options: we must get tough, or get peace – although the latter may not last long.

David Platts

Newark

As one who has been a member and has worked professionally for the Church of England for some years, I am pleased to see that the Church is leading the way in acknowledging it has benefited financially from its involvement in the slave trade and acting to correct the situation.

Whether or not one believes what it is proposing to do is the best form of reparation, people must remember that members of the Christian church led the way in seeking to abolish slavery in this country. Perhaps some of the many individuals, families and organizations which have benefited, financially or otherwise, from their ancestors’ involvement in slavery should consider what amount of recompense they too should offer, and suggest ways in which such reparation funds should be spent to benefit society as a whole.

Jonathan Longstaff

Sussex

John Rentoul’s latest article discusses a possible plot to replace Mr Sunak with Penny Mordaunt before the upcoming election.

It amazes me how absolutely shambolic the Tory party has become. If Ms Mordaunt is installed as PM before the election, she will be the fifth incumbent in this term of government. Notwithstanding that, there have also been umpteen ministers and changes of other civil servants and government officials. What sort of message will that send out to the rest of the world?

How on earth can we benefit from a new minister every few months? What could Ms Mordaunt achieve in her short time as PM that Mr Sunak could not achieve?

For all this doom and gloom there is a better future which can be had without the help of the Tories. Whether Labour can achieve better social, trading and economic results than the Tories is to be seen, but the Tories have had their chance and been found wanting.

Getting rid of Mr Sunak will make no difference to the outcome of the election. Many Tory MPs will be rejected by their constituents, probably giving Labour a landslide result. The Tories have made it very difficult for the incoming government to radically achieve much in their first term, and a close eye must be kept on the new government’s performance.

Keith Poole

Basingstoke

Thank you John Rentoul for busting the improbable scenario of Penny Mordaunt taking over from Rishi Sunak. This surely is for the birds and desperate Tory MPs who are floundering in a pre-election panic.

Have they so little nous, not to know that the public would laugh them out of Westminster, with the ludicrous idea of yet another wannabe leader, who can save all their endangered seats by looking regal and talking tough? This is so damaging to their self-respect, and an insult to decent Tory MPs, who must be shaking their heads in incredulity. Face facts guys: time is running out. The public want a Labour government with more energy in their tanks.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk