Tony Blair is right – the Tories are too arrogant to admit that they’re wrong

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Saturday 15 July 2017 13:49 EDT
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Tony Blair has detailed that he believes Brexit can be stopped
Tony Blair has detailed that he believes Brexit can be stopped (PA)

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In his statement on the folly of pursuing Brexit (Of course Brexit can be stopped, but it requires leadership from Labour), Tony Blair says, “...the Greeks were right that hubris is always followed by nemesis”. As reason after very good reason for remaining in the EU tumbles in on a daily basis, it seems to me that the only rational explanation that Theresa May and her cabinet continue to pursue Brexit is that they are the victims of their own overinflated egos, and that is what is potentially ruining our country.

The admission of failure can be far more statesmanlike than pursuing an unachievable aim to the bitter end, before suffering the consequences. Please stand down Theresa May. Your lot will get your chance of power again in a few years when the pendulum swings back in your favour.

Patrick Cosgrove
Shropshire

Banning chemicals will not help the acid attack increases

The number of chemicals that could be used as weapons is great and includes many ordinary household products. Simply banning or restricting the availability of a handful is pointless.

Knife crime is rising (ONS figures) despite legislation restricting carriage of knives. Significant injury and death can be caused with a sharp edge of almost any sort or size.

We have draconian gun control laws in the UK and yet gun crime is rising (ONS figures).

Banning things is the wrong approach. A sustained drive to improve the cultural milieu and the socioeconomic antecedents of crime of all categories is the way to go. We need fewer kneejerks and more serious thought.

Steve Ford
Haydon Bridge

The Government’s knee-jerk response to the rise in acid crime is a tightening in laws. I would suggest we also need action to address the hateful attitudes, which underline not just acid attacks but all crime, whether using knives, guns or any other weapon. There needs to be a general strengthening of morals to replace hate with a more loving attitude.

This nation used to be known as a Christian nation, but certain elements in society seem intent on sidelining the church which has been the fundamental foundation bringing salt and light to the nation. Surely, Theresa May knows this, but is she afraid of applying the teaching which is inscribed in the floor of the Houses of Parliament, “Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”

J Longstaff
​Buxted

The Repeal Bill is anti-democratic

This is an outrageous day for democracy that should shame our Government and everyone who’s stood up to royal power for 800 years since the Magna Carta. Our leaders are giving themselves carte blanche – using so-called Henry VIII powers – to change any EU legislation they want without parliamentary approval. Both houses must vote down this heinous attack on our hard-fought traditions and stop Britain going to the dogs.

Stefan Wickham
Oxted

Organ donation saved my life – we must keep the opt-out register

With reference to your article regarding the organ donor register (Organ donor register could become opt-out as MPs vote on life-saving measure) – I waited 14 months for my new liver, it was very difficult for me feeling my life gradually finishing. The hardest part is knowing that someone has to die for you to live. One family’s grief and another family’s happiness; what a combination!

I can only say I fully support the opt-out regarding the organ donor register, so that every person is treated as a potential organ donor. It must be hard for the grieving family but thinking in the back of their minds that their action has also saved lives must be a little comfort.

A grateful liver transplant recipient – Lloyd Tew-Cragg
Address supplied

Let’s play hard ball with the EU over the single market

The Government seems to believe that continuing our membership of the single market is a problem. It does not need to be. It should state that on a given date Britain will cease to accept any imports from the Continent unless an agreement is signed before that date. A period of a fortnight or a month should be allowed between the announcement and the given date. The agreement should permit the free flow of goods as at present with no conditions or attachments. After that all other matters could be negotiated, although I do feel that the attitude of those on the other side of the Channel might be more respectful.

William W Scott
East Lothian

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