Restore the Palace of Westminster – but don’t let the MPs back in

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Houses of Parliament (PA)

When Andrea Leadsom said that the Palace of Westminster is the seat of our democracy, she may not have meant that it exemplifies the worst aspects of it, but that is the case.

Having two sides facing each other a couple of swords’ lengths apart can only encourage the shameful primary-school-worthy cacophony that is Prime Minister’s Questions.

The nonsense of the state opening is designed to lull us all into complacency about our place in the world – in wallowing in the glories of the past we can forget about the failings of a society where many are trapped in poverty while others are paid hideous sums (plus bonuses!) for doing their job badly.

And both chambers have many fewer seats than are required for all the members. No doubt there are some who regard it as their duty to not turn up.

The building is beautiful, and worthy of restoration. But it should be used as a museum, or art gallery, or library, not as a parliament. On this I am, for once, in agreement with the SNP: 21st century law-making would be better housed in a 21st century building. Much of the world is mocking the shambles of Brexit. Let’s show them that we, and our MPs, are capable of being grown-ups in a modern world.

Susan Alexander
Frampton Cotterell

Why we shouldn’t ban hijabs in primary schools

My name is Fatima. I am 10 years old and go to a primary school in London. I am so disappointed by the news about not allowing young girls to wear the hijab. I do not wear a headscarf at my Christian school but some of my friends do and my school is very good and has no problems with this.

I do wear the headscarf when I go to the mosque but I know my religion Islam does not teach me to wear a headscarf yet. When I grow up and become a teenager I will.

I feel sorry for my friends who want to wear a scarf but people are now stopping them. This is not fair and at school we are taught not to force our views or opinions on others. Then why are we doing this? It is so confusing and causes stress to us.

School should be a happy place where we can learn and make new friends and respect each other. It looks like this is not true for religious people, especially Muslims who keep getting targeted. Believing in a religion or wearing a scarf does not mean I am an extremist.

My religion Islam teaches me to be loyal to my country and be good to all people. This is the message our Caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad gives and we are following.

My friends who wear the headscarf and me have Christian and other friends, we do our best at school, help our teachers, raise money for charity and are good to people. This is because our religion Islam teaches us too. Our religion does not make us extremists.

Fatima Laiba Aftab
London

Phillip Lee shouldn’t have been disciplined

Sir, according to The Independent on 1 February, the minister who publicly suggested that withdrawal from the EU should be based on evidence not dogma has been silenced by the PM. This fact tells us all we need to know about Theresa May’s competence as the person to lead us out of the EU.

Ann Clewer
Canterbury

Theresa’s trip to China shows there’s a world outside the EU

It has been heartening to see the courtesy and respect our Prime Minister and delegation have received during their visit to China. Thank you, China.

We have become accustomed, since Brexit, to receiving ridicule and hostility from our European “friends and allies” from both their press and politicians for the democratic decision made by the British people. Bearing in mind the vast monetary, military and security support we have provided Europe over the past 40 years, it makes their current attitude of attempting to damage our economy by punitive demands in the negotiations even more saddening.

Trapped in the European bubble, many of our politicians seem to forget there is a world of opportunity outside of Europe trading with nations who want to trade with us fairly and treat us with the respect we deserve.

Anne MacCallum
Milton Keynes

Heightened Olympic spirits

The Winter Olympians are going to be supplied with 110,000 condoms – in total, not individually – which would probably cost about $100,000 (£71,000) although they should be cheaper in bulk but I am not going to ask my local chemist about that quantity!

Some simple assumptions to make the maths easier – there are 3,000 athletes there for 16 days which gives 2.29 items per individual or 4.5 per couple per day. Assuming the 0.5 condoms are saved up for non-competition days it still seems a busy and fun time. It is a cold environment although this suggests some warmth will be generated by the Olympic spirit.

Reference to the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger” may not add much benefit to this analysis. It might not just be the coming together of North and South Korea that provides the highlights of these (very) friendly games.

Perhaps now it is clear why so many people try out for the Olympics with such enthusiasm. I will be watching the events – the sporting ones – on TV with a new found interest.

Dennis Fitzgerald
Melbourne, Australia

General election round two

As the Brexit negotiations are going so spiffingly well, isn’t this just the moment for Theresa May to call an election to get an even huger majority than at present?

Hazel Bentall
Address supplied