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PM is a true politician

THE prime minister is a true politician, a man capable of changing his mind to suit any occasion.

He now tells Parliament there could be no circumstance where he would advocate leaving the EU and yet he asked the British people to trust him to conduct negotiations to secure a “reformed EU”.

I suggest that has proved to be as efficacious as asking Dracula to run the blood transfusion service.

Having wheeled out a soon-to-be ex-US President to support his ambition for the UK to remain in a flawed political project we should not be surprised to see another world leader, this time the relatively unknown Japanese prime minister, being asked to offer David Cameron support.

The only problem is that the Japanese prime minister, like his US counterpart, was unequivocal in outlining the real reason they want the UK to remain in the EU and guess what that reason is? Self-interest.

For Mr Obama the thought that his beloved TTIP project might stall as a result of German intransigence is too horrendous to contemplate. Far better to have an ally on the inside making their case for a trade agreement favouring big American corporations and disadvantaging European businesses and offering protection to the most protectionist country on earth.

Shinzo Abe betrays his hand when stating “Japan sees the UK as the gateway to the EU trading bloc” – a clear indication that Japan’s interest in our continuing membership is simply one of self-interest.

It’s all about what the UK provides by way of access and support.

It is interesting to note that Japan, like the USA, has never agreed a formal trading with the EU.

Acting as stooge to two protectionist governments isn’t justification for the UK to remain part of the EU.

DES MORGAN

Caraway Drive

Swindon

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Closure of many toilets

REGARDING my recent letter about the closure of toilets in many Wiltshire towns and who may be going to take on the responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of such, I have given things some thought.

For Royal Wootton Bassett, although the flowers etc, look really nice, how about doing away with them and use the money towards the toilets. That will help a little. I would rather have toilet facilities than flowers.

Also, can I ask all residents in Wiltshire who have lost those facilities to go to the local city and town council offices and ask to use the toilet facilities. As we pay for those, I am sure that we can just pop in now and again and use those facilities that we pay for.

As there will probably be a rush to use these, there may have to be a system whereby you take a ticket and then wait until your number is called and then you are issued with a paper towel, a squirt of antiseptic gel and a portion of toilet roll.

Anything unused will be handed back to the receptionist.

Let’s see how that works.

CHRIS GLEED

Proud Close, Purton