Letters: Boris Johnson’s doublespeak over Ukraine

Whose victory?

Sir: Politicians are often accused of engaging in doublespeak, and I fear in the case of Boris Johnson’s article (‘Bombshell’, 16 September) the accusation may be valid. According to our former prime minister we’re to believe two contradictory assertions; firstly that a Russian victory risks an immediate and existential threat not only to Russia’s neighbours but to the broader West. Then secondly, that the victory of the Ukrainian armed forces is as inevitable as night following day.

Those two positions cannot both be true – either the outcome of the war is still in the balance, or Ukrainian victory is assured. I fear a degree of romanticism has crept into what I hoped would be a dispassionate analysis from a usually insightful mind.

Lee Jenkins

Bolton

ITN on NDAs

Sir: Daisy Ayliffe, who left ITN in 2020, writes about settlement agreements and confidentiality provisions. It’s an important question, which is why ITN has never sought to prevent anyone raising concerns about serious wrongdoing in the workplace, and we entirely refute any allegations to the contrary. We’re proud not only of our inclusive and respectful culture but of the way that ITN’s rigorous journalistic standards apply to our own internal processes.

Campaigners stress that NDAs should never be used to silence those who have suffered abuse or discrimination. We agree wholeheartedly. But campaigners also acknowledge that settlement agreements, used responsibly, can be an appropriate tool to resolve complex workplace disputes.

There has been much discussion about this topic in recent years. We have listened. That’s why, in April last year, we decided to no longer use confidentiality clauses unless in exceptional circumstances: that is, where the individual had themselves requested it or where there is a duty of care to all parties involved in a dispute. This shows ITN’s willingness to continually listen and adapt and reflects my personal commitment to ensuring that our role as a trusted, transparent organisation always extends to our own people.