Truth in politics is more important than ever before

Our readers have their say on the oceans, the Dubai bus tragedy, Trump and Boris Johnson

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 19, 2019 file photo, Boris Johnson, Britain's former Foreign Secretary and prominent leave the European Union Brexit campaigner walks away after leaving the Cabinet Office in London. Britain’s High Court has quashed a bid to prosecute Conservative lawmaker Boris Johnson for allegedly lying during the country’s 2016 European Union membership referendum. Two judges on Friday, June 7 threw out a lower court’s ruling that Johnson should be summoned to answer questions about Brexit campaigners’ claim that Britain pays 350 million pounds ($446 million) a week to the EU. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
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I refer to your article British leadership contender Boris Johnson wins court challenge over Brexit misconduct (June 7). The High Court has thrown out the case against prospective prime minister Boris Johnson. He had made claims that withdrawing from the European Union would save the UK £350m a week. The figure was challenged by his opponents at the time and subsequently in a legal case that Mr Johnson's lawyers described as "politically motivated and vexatious".

The real concern is how honest politicians are during elections. It’s not just a matter of kissing babies, shaking hands or pledging funds to marginal electorates. We need politicians with ideas about better education, less poverty, more employment and freedom from drugs. These are the things everybody wants and yet no one can seem to deliver them, despite many honest attempts. Perhaps politicians should only promise what they can actually deliver.

A relatively recent change has been the rise of fake news and attacks on the freedom of the press. If the truth is not known then it disappears into the mist of times. There have been many attempts to erase facts from public discourse – some people even insist that the horrors of the Holocaust did not occur. Fortunately, there still are still many to whom facts matter. We all need to tell the truth, but above all our elected leaders.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne

Both the US and Mexico stand to benefit from strong ties

I write in reference to your article Donald Trump says deal possible with Mexico in migration row (June 8). This piece revealed some improvement in the fraught US-Mexico relationship. Mr Trump's mooted wall on the Mexico border has been a source of constant controversy and now Washington's talks on the migration row  with Mexico are a good development. I hope concessions are made and compromise found, because both countries will benefit hugely in terms of business.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Praise for the authorities after the Dubai bus tragedy

I refer to your article Dubai bus crash: death toll rises to 17 (June 8). The auspicious Eid holiday became a tragic and unfortunate time for several passengers of different nationalities involved in the horrific road accident in Dubai.

While an investigation has been launched to find out the root cause of the incident, and we must await the results, it was good to see the support provided by authorities in Dubai, various consulates and social workers to help the families of the deceased.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat

Stop throwing rubbish in the ocean in the first place

I write in reference to your video of rubbish collection on Saadiyat Island (June 7). It is equally important to remind people not to throw rubbish in the water. The parents must guide their children, and not just sit and watch them. Stiff penalties are a must for such violations.

Name withheld by request