Opinion

Proroguing parliament to push no-deal shows how weak Boris is

One Tory MP has declared forcibly: “There is no mandate, and never has been a mandate for a no-deal Brexit.”

This view is supported by the latest opinion polls showing just 34 per cent of voters wanted an October no-deal if no agreement was possible.  Those in favour of Remain had a 10 per cent lead over those favouring Leave. The Remain majority even included 2 per cent of the Brexit Party.

Yet, Boris Johnson still thinks a no-deal Brexit is a good idea. Allocating £100 million to persuade the 66 per cent of Britons opposed to a no-deal when such a huge sum could put more police on the streets, more doctors and nurses in hospitals is, at best, irresponsible. Close to 50 per cent of people in Britain have already begun stockpiling food and medicines expecting no-deal shortages.

Boris Johnson is not known for being truthful. Even the Brexit Party has declared: “While we have a government led by someone nobody has ever trusted in his entire career, why should we trust the Tories? Why should anyone in the country trust the Tories?”

Personality is revealed by interaction with people closest to you. Boris Johnson has completely failed to convince his siblings on a no-deal Brexit. His sister, Rachel, was an anti-Brexit candidate in the recent European elections. His brother, Jo, has warned a no-deal would “inflict untold damage on our nation”.He cannot even convince his own family – not surprisingly many lack confidence in him as a leader.

Even Johnson himself wrote about the EU in 2016 before the referendum: “This is a market on our doorstep, ready for exploitation by British firms. The membership fee seems rather small for all that access. Why are we so determined to turn our back on it?”

There was no mention of a no-deal scenario in the 2016 referendum –  there is no mandate for such a strategy. Unlike the UK the EU has been preparing for such a scenario since December 2017.

Proroguing parliament to push though a no deal shows just how weak Boris Johnson is.


He cannot command a majority n the Commons, 65 million Britons had no say in his election as prime minister.

ANDREW McILROY


Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Returning to school can be difficult time for some young people

Sometimes it is a relief when children return to school after the summer holidays and routine is resumed. However, it is important to remember that this can be a difficult time for some young people.

They may encounter new teachers, classmates and subjects and this may cause apprehension or anxieties. Children could be worried about many things such as keeping up with homework or not being around to help their family. And, sadly, some children have worries about bullying.

Last year, Childline carried out well over 250 counselling sessions with children from Northern Ireland who contacted us about bullying and cyber bullying. Name-calling, spreading rumours and blackmail posted publicly on social media profiles, blogs and online pictures were just some of the ways young people were being tormented. These experiences can have a devastating impact on their lives.

School is an enormous part of childhood, so it is important that all children feel safe and at ease.

The following tips can help parents discuss this with their children and ensure they are as prepared as possible for the new academic year and the challenges it brings.

Talk to your child, sometimes they may not know how to tell you about a problem they’re having.

Encourage them to use Childline’s message boards for support - they can provide a great place for young people to share their experiences.

Remind them they can talk to Childline, at any time of the day, all year round, about any worries or concerns they may have.

Equally, as a teacher, you might notice a change in behaviour from a child, which could mean they have not enjoyed their time at home over the summer.


No matter what your concern the NSPCC Helpline is there to help adults on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk, and Childline is available to listen to children 24/7 on 0800 1111, or via www.Childline.org.uk

MAIREAD MONDS


Childline manager, Northern Ireland

Johnson has lost trust of Commons

Is the UK a democracy?

Before devolution it could be argued that it was.

The two main English parties had majorities in Scotland and Wales, and so these two nations were directly  involved in governing the UK.

Northern Ireland was different, in that the majority party was a ‘sister party’ of the Conservatives and so had input to government when the Tories were in power. But devolution saw the rise of local national parties, SNP and Plaid Cymru. These parties are not represented in the government.

In effect these two nations will never be able to get legislation passed in the Commons, if the English parties oppose it.

Both Theresa May and Boris Johnson have ignored each of the devolved nations with regard to staying in the EU.

They are powerless. So, while England is for now a democracy, it is difficult to see the UK as a whole as a functioning democracy.

The Commons operates on an ‘honours’ system, requiring integrity, responsibility and above all trust from the PM. That trust has now been broken by Boris Johnson.

NI is a special case, since it is a former British colony, which status ended in 1993.

In 1998 the GFA gave the right to all its citizens to decide their own future, in or out of the UK.

PAUL ROCHE


Dublin

Monumental mistake

The decision by the BBC to take Sean Coyle’s programme off the airwaves was a monumental mistake. Sean took over from the great Gerry Anderson and many did not know how it would go for him.

However, Sean became the most loved presenter on this island. His choice of music was always excellent as was his wit and charm.

His impersonations of Daniel O’Donnell and Gay Byrne were legendary and the link up with William Crawley of Talkback each day was very funny.

I think fans of Sean should protest to the BBC in the strongest terms possible and make their feelings known at this very unwise move. It is the least we can do as licence payers.

TJ CARRAGHER


Cullyhanna, Co Armagh

Reconsider poor decision

BBC please reconsider the poor decision you have made regarding Sean Coyle. He was one of the best presenters on the radio.  I listened to him and Gerry Anderson for many years.  They complemented each other so well. Sean really did fill his boots when he sadly passed away.

Not everyone is online but I would like to sign a petition to have Sean reinstated.  Does anyone know how this can be done?

C MORRISON


Belfast BT6