Letters | 8 June 2017

Terrorists’ guilt

Sir: A small contribution to the psychological war: when the next atrocity happens, could the BBC and other reputable news media please say that the Isis thugs have ‘admitted their guilt’ in respect of the murders rather than ‘claimed responsibility’ for them? The latter makes it sound like they might be expected to win a prize. Words matter.
George Everard
London SW1

Corbyn’s ‘principles’

Sir: With regard to Chris Mullin’s article (‘Corbyn for PM?’, 3 June), I disagree that Jeremy Corbyn has led a life consistent with his principles. As an avowed Marxist he clearly saw no future in the Communist party, so nailed his colours to Labour’s mast. Thence to the House of Commons. Here he has consistently voted against leader after leader, following his own agenda. ‘What a man of principle’ some say. I rather observe that he has enjoyed over 30 years of a handsome parliamentary salary — now at the opposition leader’s higher rate — with an index-linked, final-salary pension to follow in due course. Wouldn’t have got this lot flogging Socialist Worker on street corners.
Frank Hughes
Aldworth, Berkshire

Wait a moment

Sir: Before Rod Liddle attempts to blame the parents (‘Should those poor kids have been there?’, 3 June) perhaps he should read Professor Jay’s inquiry into the Rotherham scandal. Her report noted that ‘In two of the cases, fathers tracked down their daughters and tried to remove them from houses where they were being abused, only to be arrested themselves when police were called to the scene.’
Kevin Prescott
East Preston, West Sussex

Museum of apologism

Sir: I was cheered to read Andrew Roberts on the National Army Museum relaunch (The Heckler, 3 June), since I went there recently with my seven-year-old grandson and we were both baffled by the new exhibition.

Like Andrew Roberts, I remember fondly how the museum used to be, despite the ‘hideous 1971 building’, which replaced the handsome 1830 Victoria Hospital for Children.