TODAY the principal clown has been shown to be what most of us already knew: a joke, and a feeble one at that Monday ("Dream dying suffocated by self-doubts, says Johnson", The Herald, July 10). Now it is time to be serious.

Our fathers and grandfathers went to war to save the citizens of Europe – ALL the citizens of Europe – from fascism. In the aftermath they built a Europe which resisted the spread of communism and brought an unimaginable improvement to the living standards of most of the populations of those countries which make up Europe today. In both the war and in the peace Britain – Great Britain – took the lead.

What is the present politically active generation doing now? Walking away from that leadership role. Why? Because they are afraid of the few foreigners who cross the Channel to work here; and because they haven't the guts to stay in the political organisations in Europe and fight for the development of the Continent in such a way that it can continue to provide a good life for the future generations of each of the nations in membership.

History is there to be read and to provide the lessons which must be learnt. In this year of all years we should remember that our grandfathers and fathers did not run away, leaving others to "get on with it". That is the coward’s way out and thereby Great Britain is diminished both economically and politically.

Ian HC Stein,

8 Ochlochy Park, Dunblane.

IN all the long history of the several parliaments of these islands over the centuries there can be few examples of a betrayal more blatant than Boris Johnson's conduct on. Having lost the argument at Chequers, and having assured the Prime Minister of his loyalty, he waits until she was delivering to the Commons assurances of a united government and then delivers the blow to her defenceless back.

In some 60 years of participating in UK and Scottish politics I have seen some dirty tricks pulled but this was entirely contemptible, unworthy even of an undergraduate "I think that went off quite well". Contemptible. With that contempt I treat those who laud him, including that element among Scottish Conservative MPs who believe Theresa May is too soft on Brexit.

It is my sincere hope that the people who have engaged our four nations in this disputation with our 27 European neighbours and friends will reap what they have sown at the ballot box again and again, but I fear that Mr Johnson, like his pal, David Cameron, will take comfort in some tax haven while those who put them in power will continue to endure as ever the doom of their trust.

KM Campbell,

Bank House, Doune.

WE are on the threshold of a seismic shift in the relationship of the UK with the rest of the world, a change in circumstances that independent forecasts almost universally predict will create financial hardship for millions of powerless fellow citizens yet Westminster is in disarray. Business is carried out in a manner more suited to a kindergarten than the boardroom, a Prime Minister who campaigned against Brexit stands and justifies leaving the EU; that sums up the morality of contemporary politics.

It is impossible these days to watch the proceedings at Westminster (and Holyrood) without feeling that one is witnessing some formulaic soap-opera staring characters who either have no concept of the trials and tribulations that we mere mortals struggle with or that they just don’t care. These spoiled self-important brats are ruining not running the country.

Historic geographic boundaries have been rendered redundant by the ease of modern transport and the EU is the logical result of acceptance of that change but currently its governance needs dramatic revision. It will be difficult for the EU to remain in existence following Brexit and the predicted demise of the euro due to economic imbalance between member states and accumulated debt by the likes of Greece and Italy. Brexit is bad for the UK, bad for the EU and with Donald Trump on the rampage bad for the World. The public is allowed to change its mind, that is why we have regular General Elections. Why is the Brexit result irreversible?

David J Crawford,

85 Whittingehame Court, 1300 Great Western Road, Glasgow.

I AGREE with Ruth Marr (Letters, July 9) that Boris Johnson is treacherous. Indeed, that almost goes without saying. But I think Ms Marr is being far too unkind to Theresa May.

The Prime Minister is struggling with a bonkers minority of her backbenchers who have lost their reason with regard to Brexit. Their opinions suggest almost a religious fervour, rather than a calm assessment of our national interest. They seem prepared to sacrifice manufacturing industry for an illusory pure form of sovereignty that probably did not even exist in the 19th century.

It has been a long time coming but it now seems clear that Mrs May has been steadily progressing towards the Chequers compromise since she became Prime Minister. There will be scope for further negotiation with Brussels on freedom of movement, whilst still not accepting the current fully open borders. This deal should work and Mrs May is the person to bring it to fruition.

But a leadership contest may be necessary first, to take on once and for all the extreme right of her party. Matters may have to get a little worse before they get better. So, let all the poisons that are in the Tory mud hatch out. Theresa May should pull through, and then be in a strong position to deliver her deal, with the necessary amendments once negotiations have taken place with the EU.

John Gemmell,

16 Trentham Road, Wem, Shropshire

RUTH Marr's suggestion (Letters, July 10) that Michael Gove or Boris Johnson might rise from the ashes following the unlikely demise of the Prime Minister is preposterous in the extreme. They are both now yesterday’s men, as history will eventually show, consigned to the realms of toothless assassins, whilst Jacob Rees-Mogg has about as much clout as a wet fish.

In addition Ms Marr states the obvious, that Theresa May’s days are numbered (how many times have we heard that?). However what she misses is the fact that the PM is far stronger than the media give her credit for and that “those days” will be counted in years not single digits – that is, until the next General election in 2022.

Christopher H Jones,

25 Ruthven Avenue, Giffnock.