2 hours ago
4
Jonathan Freedland’s analysis of the threats posed by a Reform UK government is spot-on (Trump has dragged the US to the abyss and Nigel Farage would do the same to Britain. Here’s how to stop him, 19 September). We only have to look to Trump’s America to get a pretty clear idea of what it would mean.
Freedland is also correct in his analysis of the level of support for Reform and Farage’s key policies. They do not receive anywhere near majority support: only 31% of voters support Brexit, as against 56% who want to rejoin the EU; nearly 60% want to stay in the European convention on human rights; only 31% believe migrants have undermined British culture. Yet Freedland inexplicably fails to invoke the most obvious solution to the rise of rightwing populism: reform of our voting system.
Although the most recent YouGov poll shows Reform on 28% and Labour on 20%, it also shows all “progressive” parties on at least 49% against 45% for Reform and the Conservatives combined.
Isn’t then the obvious answer to adopt a voting system that reflects voter preference? Keir Starmer has ignored the votes of Labour conference on this, and he could be forgiven, with a huge majority on roughly a third of the vote. But would Labour be so happy if the boot were on the other foot: a Reform government with 30% of the vote? Surely, the answer is a voting system that gives voters policies they actually vote for.
Barry Greatorex
Derby
My blood ran cold reading Jonathan Freedland’s piece, because his summary was so distressingly accurate. The Trump aide Stephen Miller’s remark that the Democratic party is a “domestic extremist organisation” was particularly chilling. How long before it is banned and the US becomes a truly authoritarian one-party state?
So what to do? For a start, the message should be rammed home: “Vote Farage, get Trump”, because if our current leaders are conciliatory, just imagine how supine Reform will be as the US increasingly interferes in other countries’ domestic politics.
Jennifer Rees
Cardiff
On the printed page of the Journal section, Jonathan Freedland’s call to expose the supposed popularity of far-right propaganda was placed next to your editorial on the importance of grassroots drama training. It is often working‑class actors who bring plays to the stage or screen that shift public consciousness, for example, about misogyny or the Post Office scandal.
What we need now are powerful dramas about the rise of reactionary populism and its seductive influence on so many people who do not regard themselves as – and are not – extremists (‘Go-to trope’: how the far right is exploiting violence against women and girls, 19 September).
Dr Sebastian Kraemer
London
I have sent a postcard to Nigel Farage to say that I do not need his protection.
Elizabeth Baker
Birmingham
Jonathan Freedland’s article about protecting democracy states that we all need to take action. I agree, but can he suggest how? I am happy to attend protests, but what else can I do? There is a certain feeling of individual helplessness attached to this situation.
Marilyn Adams
Bristol
