Public impatience with PMs under scrutiny
Following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister after two years in power, readers have weighed in on whether the public is too quick to demand change. Tony Howarth of London notes that Starmer was the sixth PM in ten years and argues that the electorate itself is to blame. 'If a problem isn’t solved faster than a cup of water heating in the microwave, we turn on them,' he writes, calling for giving governments time to implement long-term thinking. He warns that if Andy Burnham becomes PM, the same cycle of crisis and dismissal may repeat.
Democracy reflects voter choices
Howarth contends that democracy reflects not just the quality of politicians but also the quality of voters' choices and their willingness to live with them. He urges the public to stop treating elected representatives as disposable commodities and to allow them the fixed term to do their job.
Be careful what you wish for
Lorraine from Barking points out that Starmer had warned improvements would take time, but ministers resigned when they could not get their way. She compares this to Margaret Thatcher’s mantra 'The lady’s not for turning,' noting that Thatcher sacked ministers who disagreed. She suggests the Labour Party should hold a general election to choose the next democratically elected PM, adding 'Be careful who you wish for.'
Trump’s Iran deal praised as business genius
R Walker of Glasgow acknowledges President Trump’s business acumen after his deal with Iran. He notes that the US spent billions destroying parts of Iran, and now Iran will receive $300 billion in reconstruction, likely carried out by US companies. He calls this 'a true business genius.'
Social media ban for under-16s criticized
Trevor from Bromley responds to the UK’s proposed social media ban for under-16s, arguing it will not work. He says children will use adult accounts, the dark web, or dangerous VPNs, exposing them to far worse content than on mainstream social media. He acknowledges problems with social media but insists a ban is not a solution.
Royal Mail cuts and stamp prices questioned
Eric from York questions whether the cost of second-class stamps will drop after Royal Mail reduces second-class delivery to alternate weekdays. He notes the wage bill will fall as staff work 20 hours instead of 40, and asks if the stamp price will halve from 91p to 45p.
