Boris Johnson doesn't understand the history of the European Union

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Boris Johnson outlines his vision for Brexit at Armada House in Bristol (PA)

Boris Johnson’s analogy is false. The EU is the only large-scale union of European countries which has been created and maintained, not by military violence but by the voluntary decisions of democratically elected governments.

The greatest disasters of all happened, not when the earlier empires collapsed, but later, when the rivalry of separate countries within Europe led to two world wars. The EU was created specifically to prevent such disasters happening again.

Jane Darwin
London, SW7

Like a greedy boy at a children's birthday party, Boris Johnson has already ripped all the paper off the Vote Leave Pass the Parcel, stolen all the presents, necked all the jellies and gobbled every slice of birthday cake in sight, even before the candle is lit.

He has now resorted to stealing the party clown's wig and full make-up by resorting to the lowest common denominator of party tricks – playing the Hitler card.

The problem for the ultimate spoiled brat of Tory politics is that he could be in for a shock when the nation passes its verdict on his antics on 23 June.

Once he has exhausted the repertoire of attention-seeking japes and finished tying up the cat in ribbons, he may find himself sent home early. With wet flannel on face, crumpled party blower in hand, he is surely destined to be uninvited from high office and banished to the naughty step for good.

Anthony Rodriguez
Middlesex

What is it about former London mayors? First Ken and now Boris, each trying to use history in the ludicrous way they were obviously taught at school, understanding the past in order to shape the future and all that discredited, old-fashioned nonsense.

Haven't they yet grasped that the only legitimate use of the past is to demonise certain prominent individuals in the present. Thus it is acceptable to use the ‘H word’ when describing people that the Establishment need you to hate – from Nasser to Saddam Hussein, from Putin to Trump – but never so when trying to understand the history and nature of, say, Zionism or the EU.

I trust that Sadiq Khan will avoid such pitfalls during his time in office...

Geoff Woolf
Shenfield

An outdated femininity

I like Grace Dent but I cannot agree with her on the heels and make up issue. Why, Grace, is the alternative look “greasy hair, clad in a fisherman’s jumper, Crocs and a lovely moustache to reflect their latest fascinating gender-neutral shtick”? That is so 1970s, and from the male perspective.

You are genuinely invited to supper to discuss. I have had many jobs including being a receptionist (way before the so-called enlightened 1990s), and more elevated roles since, but I never felt the need or desire for the war paint or the pencil skirt that Grace calls “armour”. Actually, I couldn't have worn a pencil skirt, so what are women such as I supposed to do in this oh-so-equal world? Force ourselves into an ill-fitting garment and make fools of ourselves?

I say: wear what suits you, what makes you feel comfortable and get out there. We do not need “armour”. No employer has the right to ask a woman to wear heels or make up.

Beryl Wall
London, W4

School’s out for summer

I assume that Mr Platt, term time holidays dad and company director, is happy for his employees to take a day off every fortnight in addition to their holiday entitlement? I hope his daughter finds an equally understanding employer, because the lesson her dad is teaching her is that commitment does not matter.

Pamela Hutchison
Address withheld

Weren’t you watching the women?

I went to the Independent sports section looking for a write up on the Women's FA cup final – nothing; not a mention. Did it actually happen? Were there 35,000 spectators? Is this balanced and fair reporting?

Chris Woodcock
Farnham