A better use for the Big Ben bong fund

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Working on the basis that Big Ben won’t bong, I have a far better use for the money that’s been raised: put it towards a project that can unite Leavers and Remainers in common cause. My suggestion is a push to clean up the litter that lines Britain’s motorways. I’d wager that die-hard Remainers such as myself would more than willingly cough up a few quid to match the money raised so far. If we really do have to enter this brave new post-Brexit era, let’s at least begin with a literally clean slate.

Patrick Cosgrove
Bucknell, Shropshire

A bitter end to the entente cordiale

I was saddened to discover that the Union Flag which flies above the building in Strasbourg will be lowered and sent to the House of European History on our exit. Europe’s is, of course, a history in which this country played a momentous part, helping to rebuild the peace and harmony after two cataclysmic world wars.

To see, therefore, that two of the most divisive Conservative MPs, namely Mark Francois and Iain Duncan-Smith, are still trying their level best to exacerbate an already sensitive situation about Big Ben just about takes the entente cordiale and bins it. When will these men appreciate that Brexit is not good news for everyone and refrain from extravagant declarations of freedom from the shackles of the EU? They won this Brexit confrontation, but the peace, harmony and stability for our country still very much hangs in the balance.

Judith A Daniels
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Climate budget

I disagree with your editorial that it’s in the government’s best interests to have a separate climate budget. Climate change is interwoven into every facet of society, and requires an integrated and holistic approach.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London NW2

Associate EU membership​

As we move inexorably towards our 31 January exit from the EU, we should call to mind the words of Boris Johnson’s hero, Winston Churchill: “Now this is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Sad that I feel this is happening, I was heartened to read of Guy Verhofstadt confirming that plans are still being pushed to allow Britons to sign up to be citizens of the bloc even after Brexit. Further details eagerly awaited.

Paul R Draper
Winchester, Hampshire