WHAT sort of fools do this Government take us for? As predictable as the sun rising in the morning a Government minister opines that the mere claim by ISIL that they destroyed the Metrojet plane, killing all 234 on board is justification for bombing ISIL in Syria.

Is there any depth which Mr Cameron and his team will not go to in order to justify action for an action for which they have no legal mandate?

The Defence Secretary can talk about a ‘moral’ foundation for action but we all know the morals of Government and the state are exceedingly flexible and easily adjusted to fit circumstances.

Moral crusades are often driven by ideology, religion or a sense of self righteousness.

It is far better to make a proper assessment of the pros and cons before entering into a battle which will cost countless millions, result in an unwarranted loss of life and perpetuate for decades a sense of fear in the country.

It is worth remembering how Tony Blair and David Cameron have previously claimed that the fight against ‘fundamentalists’ in other countries is predicated on ensuring peace in our own land; the lie is clear for all to see.

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.

As the state gradually, and of late more progressively reduces personal freedom almost without challenge, the citizen grows so accustomed to the denial of his legal rights and to the minute regulation of his conduct by the establishment that they no longer makes any serious protest.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive, Swindon