Dominic Raab needs to follow the example set by one of his predecessors

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Going nowhere fast: the foreign secretary (PA)

In 1982, a time when politicians of all persuasions were more honourable people, Peter Carrington (Lord Carrinton) resigned as foreign secretary from Margaret Thatcher’s government because he “failed to foresee” the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Islands.

We have sunk a long way as our current foreign secretary, Dominic Rabb, refuses to resign, despite being on holiday as a monumental crisis developed in Afghanistan. Have these people no shame?

I despair.

John Daintith

Address supplied

Older readers will remember when, like Afghanistan, the UK was caught wanting during the 1982 Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands.

In those days our foreign secretary was Lord Carrington: a man of integrity, honesty and the ability of a true global statesman. He took full responsibility for the shortcomings and resigned immediately.

Dominic Raab should have resigned days ago and it is a disgrace that this man tarnishes the name of such illustrious high office. He must resign and now.

Robert Boston

Kingshill

Aid Afghanistan

There is widespread criticism of President Joe Biden on the hasty departure from Afghanistan. However, there is no point in crying over spilt milk. Now, the priority should be to “damage control” and preserve the lives and livelihoods of the common citizens of Afghanistan, who cannot exit the country. The world must unite to ensure the safety of the Afghans.

The dialogue with the Taliban should continue. The Taliban should be encouraged to respect the lives of the locals and not indulge in any vengeance against former government employees. The key priority should be to supply food, water and medical aid to those who need them. The United Nations can play a major role in ensuring that aid reaches the needy.

Rajendra Aneja

Mumbai

SNP goes green

So the Scottish Greens are to formally to prop up the minority SNP administration at Holyrood.

Ahead of Cop26 in Glasgow, we'll undoubtedly be treated to Nicola Sturgeon claiming her new relationship with the Greens is a tangible demonstration of her environmental credentials.

Fortunately, most of us are able to see through such nonsense.

Martin Redfern

Address supplied

Gravel gains

In response to the article by Jade Bremner on the Lake District – a simple way of reducing the worn parts of pathways and potholes would be to tip piles of gravel at the ends of all walks, and encourage walkers using the paths to take a small bagful of gravel with them and ask them to fill the holes.

Cheap, quick and satisfying.

Ian Turnbull

Carlisle