Liz Truss should not accompany King Charles on his tour of the UK

Letters to the editor: our readers share their views. Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

It is her decisions, not the King’s, that will determine our future as a country (AFP/Getty)

It is with sadness but no surprise that I read of Liz Truss’s decision to “be present” for the new King Charles III on his travels around the UK in the next few days.

There is no protocol or tradition for this and surely she must already be exhausted by a summer of campaigning and running the Foreign Office. She has only been PM for a week, and has a daunting brief to master as fast as possible.

It is hard to imagine she has had much sleep in the last few days, something that is essential for good quality decision-making. At this time of such huge challenges, not least the cost of living crisis, a war in Europe, a collapsing NHS and the real fear of energy shortages this winter, surely she should be using this hiatus in political activity to hunker down with her team (and even possibly her political opponents), climb that steep learning curve and get some early nights in her own bed in preparation for what is to come in the next few weeks and months!

It is her decisions, not the King’s, that will determine our future as a country.

I had hoped she may have taken the opportunity to show some real leadership by doing just that, but no. Her choice is for an exhausting if luxurious travel schedule in pursuit of more high-profile “photo ops”. God save the King and God help us all!

Andrew A Jeffrey

Northamptonshire

We don’t all feel the same

I have lived my life in this country under the assumption that we live in a liberal democracy, where each unique individual with talents and feelings can make their own contribution to our society.

Consequently, I am disturbed when I hear journalists in the media disregarding our individuality and using sloppy, careless reporting in phrases like “the whole of society is” and “as a nation we all feel”. Because of our individuality, we are never all sad or happy, optimistic or pessimistic, celebrating or mourning.

It is even more foolish to hear a political leader say: “I am sure I speak for the whole nation when I say...”

Words have consequences and our media figures should realise that such thoughtless phrasing can fuel feelings of division and isolation.

John Dillon

Birmingham

Civilised debate

In your letters page, Penny Little bemoans the fact that it is impossible to disagree with the sentimental approach to mourning the death of the Queen, without attracting a backlash of criticism.

She is missing the point. If you express an opinion on any subject you run the risk of being attacked, mainly via social media, by people who disagree with you.

These attacks can range from the banal to the barbaric and have no place in civilised debate. We all have a right to express an opinion.

Bernard Cudd

Address supplied

Hard-working MPs

Can someone please explain the purpose of such an expensive institution as parliament?

After coming out of a Covid-caused lockdown, parliament went into summer recess. Having reconvened, we had the shenanigans of the long, drawn-out leadership campaign, during which we were told no major decisions would be taken.

The sad but not unexpected death of the Queen apparently means more disruption and delay, after which they will be off to the seaside for a week of jollies before the autumn recess. Hopefully, they will get some work done before the Christmas break.

Judging by the evidence provided by the televised proceedings of parliament, it seems that even when they are supposedly sitting, few turn up for debates.

G Forward

Stirling

An American tribute to Queen Elizabeth

I am an American, of English and Scottish descent, proud of my heritage, and certainly an Anglophile. I have long loved, admired and respected Queen Elizabeth II and wish to pay her tribute from across the pond.

To keep up to speed with all the latest opinions and comment, sign up to our free weekly Voices Dispatches newsletter by clicking here

I saw Her Majesty once, but for a fleeting moment. I was on holiday in London, standing outside Buckingham Palace, awaiting the Changing of the Guard, when the gates opened and Her Majesty’s car drove past. She was smiling and waving, wearing a mauve tinted hat. That image will stay with me always, and the memory will forever adorn my heart.

In her absence, something has gone out of the world: a stalwart dignity, a quiet grace, a presence as steady and dependable as the rising and setting of the sun and the turning of the tides.

Grand she was, grand she will forever remain, in heart, in legacy, in memory. Thank you for sharing her with us and with the world. Long will she reign in our hearts.

I am grateful to have lived in the age of Elizabeth.

Michelle Lindsey

Charleston, South Carolina