Readers are discussing Boris Johnson’s resignation as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, his final honours list, and whether this marks the end of his political career.
Meanwhile, one reader argues that environmental activists cannot realistically adhere to their principles due to the global dependence on fossil fuels:
'The point is that it’s impossible to live without oil – this has to change'
■ I understand Clark Cross’ frustration about Just Stop Oil protesters (MetroTalk, Tue) but frankly he has completely missed the point.
Even if us ‘members of eco-groups’ could give up travel, heating and having kids, as he suggests (sincerely or otherwise), we simply wouldn’t be able to persuade anyone else to do the same.
This is hardly surprising, bearing in mind that under our current system, it being extremely dependent on fossil fuels, refusing to do anything that would consume oil or gas is basically impossible.
The whole thrust of Just Stop Oil and similar organisations is that we have to change the structure and the function of our society so that we no longer need to use fossil fuels.
They are actively working towards a culture that can break our addiction to polluting energy sources. Until that culture replaces our current system, we must accept that we are forced to consume fossil fuels in order to live. And that’s the real problem.
Rob Slater, Norfolk
Readers are also wondering about how to avoid dogs and seeking clarification on the definition of legal nudity, considering that nudity is permissible as long as it is not inappropriately sexual. The more you know.
What do you think?
Share your thoughts in the comments below
■ So, Boris Johnson resigns as an MP after seeing a cross-party committee report into whether he misled parliament over lockdown-breaking parties at No.10 (Metro, Mon). This, shortly after putting supporters through for peerages.
What will the historians make of him? The charismatic character that bewitched the public and some fellow members of the House of Commons.
Sadly, the faults started outweighing his charisma and even his most ardent supporters were beginning to wane under the revelations being released over the past six months.
Boris has not gone into the wilderness – just on a break to earn the coin he needs to service his life. Give him time, he will return to take on another challenge. Leaders do this and, rightly or wrongly, he is a leader.
Tony B, Thailand
■ It comes as no surprise that Johnson should use his final honours list to reward those who supported him and his sycophants. But it is something of a surprise that he didn’t take the chance to award himself a knighthood.
It can’t be because it’s not allowed. Since when did he pay any attention to rules? A missed opportunity, surely?
Chris Stockport
■ Yippee! Boris Johnson has resigned because he lied, got found out and feared he was going to be sacked – so got out before it happened.
I do not believe a word he says and know that he now feels able to leave as he is making millions going round the world spewing his nonsense. Why people want to pay him for this is unbelievable.
Since he returned to being a lowly MP after his stint at being prime minister, how many times has he attended parliament to represent his constituents? Very rarely. They deserve better and now he has gone maybe they will get better. Wonderful news!
Corin, London
■ I thought MPs were elected to represent their constituents. Boris has just abandoned Uxbridge and Ruislip voters. It seems that he will be looking to get back into parliament in another constituency.
Wherever that may be, I hope the electorate has the good sense to help him lose his deposit. If he’s walked out on one group, what’s to prevent him doing the same again? Would you trust him to represent you? Jane, Ealing
■ Might I, respectfully, point out that despite how some might put it, Boris Johnson did not ‘win the last election’ but the Conservative Party did.
And anyway, General Elections are historically lost, rather than won, as the electorate tends to reject some of the empty promises the prospective parties offer. These frequently, as in December 2019, were peppered with unattainable manifesto statements.
Martin Levin, via email
■ The similarities between former US president Donald Trump and former prime minister (and now former MP) Boris Johnson are astounding.
Both were populist leaders and cult figures who used charisma and the sheer force of their personalities to appeal to their voters.
Both were narcissists who thought that the world revolved around themselves.
Both left office with a cloud hanging over them and the pair of them cry foul about the way they were removed from office – by the electorate in Donald Trump’s case and by fellow MPs in the case of Boris Johnson.
Both of them now describe the allegations of wrongdoing against them, as ‘witch hunts’. They are like two peas in the same populist pod.
Both of them are likely desperate to make a comeback. They might well be ex-world leaders but watch this space – neither of them can be written off and consigned to the history books, they might return and become their country’s leader once more.
Alan Jensen West Hampstead
■ Yes it was 100 per cent a witch hunt to get rid of Boris. Liars, all of them.
Stuart, London
■ I would like to say it is a witch hunt against Boris Johnson and Grant Shapps is wrong to say otherwise. Joe, Wakefield
■ Boris Johnson’s resignation as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, followed by the resignation of two other Tory MPs, has not only precipitated three by-elections the Tory party can ill afford but has also exposed the deep ideological rifts and splits within the party.
Pundits often say that political parties which are disunited do not win elections. This might well be true and Boris Johnson knows that! Al, Charlton
■ The Tory party’s in-house fighting will destroy the Party for many years to come. Those MPs supporting the ex-PM for the wrongs he has done are morally and ethically wrong. Expecting the current PM to support the wrongs of any person is not the right way to deal with the situation. I hope the party’s MPs use some common sense.
Pritam, London
■ Finally an MP who did what the voters wanted: Boris Johnson resigned.
David, Sandler
■ Johnson honoured his hairdresser? Now I’ve heard everything.
T Deng, Sussex
Don’t make excuses for unruly dogs – nor expect us fly to the moon to avoid them
■ After Michelle Morgan Davies wrote about parents with children finding themselves intimidated by loose-running dogs, Casey (MetroTalk, Mon) suggested people should ‘carry’ their children to avoid dogs.
I have four energetic grandchildren between seven and nine. They’re given lots of interesting things to do but that doesn’t mean that they are not made aware of the need to be considerate to other people around them, whether on foot or scooter. I’m also an animal lover but I don’t like dogs jumping up at me or to be confronted by an aggressive dog not on a lead when I’m on a peaceful country walk.
Please don’t make excuses for dogs. Train them properly and take responsibility.
John Murray, Bromley
■ Jennifer suggests that anyone with nervous children goes to an area free from dogs. Where does she mean? The moon?
If it wasn’t for so many stupid people needing dogs these days we would not have so many incidents of them attacking people.
Their leads should be no longer than four feet long to ensure they are fully under control at all times and any dog let loose in a public area should be muzzled, as should any dog owner who doesn’t like this idea.
Peter, Sunderland
So where can’t you be naked?
■ Further to the story about the two naturists having a pint in the Somerset pub (MetroTalk, Mon) – so, public nudity is not illegal if there is no sexual context or intention to cause alarm or distress. So, naked people can get on trains, buses, walk in a hospital, down the high street and into a shop or bar. Seriously?
Paul, Elstree
■ There is one possible benefit to nudism in public. You are unlikely to be mugged. After all, where will you keep your money or phone?
Bob, Hayes
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