In MetroTalk: Readers slam Kemi Badenoch’s Gaza remarks, blame Trump for rising global chaos and warn of the havoc cutting international student visas could wreak on UK universities. (Picture: Sky News)
Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Badenoch’s ‘proxy war’ comments are dangerous and misleading
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch told Sky News’ Trevor Phillips on Sunday that Ukraine was fighting a proxy war for the West against Russia and that Israel was fighting such a war against Hamas on behalf of the UK.
She also criticised Sir Keir Starmer for speaking out against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, saying it puts us on the side of Hamas, a terrorist organisation.
Badenoch is deeply irresponsible to do so. This false equivalence is not only intellectually bankrupt, it is toxic. To suggest the Labour government has taken action against Israel in a manner that merits thanks from a proscribed terrorist organisation is an outrageous distortion.
Labour’s position – calling for a ceasefire, adherence to international law and the protection of civilians – reflects broad public concern about the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
It is not, as Badenoch implies, a show of solidarity with Hamas. Such rhetoric not only inflames division and cheapens serious debate, it undermines her own credibility. And in comparing Ukraine’s legitimate defence against a foreign invasion with Israel’s ongoing slaughter and bombardment of a trapped civilian population in Gaza, it shows a wilful disregard for context and compassion. This isn’t statesmanship – it’s stunt politics. Henry Page, London
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Trump has bought us closer to global conflict – so much for great negotiation
A reader doubts the effectiveness of Trump’s peace talks. (Picture: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO via Getty Images)
Donald Trump, the so-called great negotiator, has brought us significantly closer to global conflict. Israel now feels empowered to expel Palestinians from Gaza without pushback from the US.
Russia’s Vladimir Putin has been emboldened by what amounts to rhetorical appeasement from the US.
Trade wars are erupting, forcing countries to raise prices and reconsider their alliances.
Perhaps most alarming is the resurgence of an arms race, with Europe and China ramping up military capabilities.
Trump, the so-called peace-maker? I don’t think so. Tony Howarth, London
Brexit trade deals don’t add up
Henry (MetroTalk, Fri) cites trade deals with Australia and New Zealand as ‘Brexit benefits’.
Trade with Australia is about two per cent of our trade with the EU. New Zealand, less still. This ‘benefit’ is like spending £1,000 on lottery tickets and celebrating because you won £10. Chris Bright, London
Student visa cuts are wrecking universities
International students studying in the UK can expect to pay anywhere from approximately £11,400 to £38,000 per year. (Credits: Getty Images)
It’s insane to have politicians of different stripes competing to cut the number of migrants on student visas.
Our universities are in dire straits. International students are not subject to the tuition fee cap, so our universities can charge them big bucks.
This income is propping up the whole system. On average, each British student is subsidised by the migrant student population to the tune of £2,500 a year.
Programmes are being axed, making it harder to recruit students and staff, putting dozens of institutions on the path to collapse.
Soon, Britain will be dimmer and duller, sorely lacking in intellectual capacity or knowledge. Our economy is a knowledge economy – no knowledge means no economy. Helen Shaw, Liverpool
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