Thank you for Martin Fletcher’s profile of Priti Patel (“The unsackable minister”, 27 November). I had fallen into the trap of wanting all members of this cabinet to be comic-book villains. Of course Patel is a complex human being, well-liked by her friends. It is good to be forced out of lazy thinking. Having said that, I have three further points to make. First, the article uses the phrase “illegal immigrants”, an inappropriate and misleading term for people claiming asylum via the only means available to them. The resettlement schemes that were available to a very small number of refugees have mostly closed, with no replacement. All people have the right to seek asylum in any country they choose. There’s nothing illegal about it. Second, the article barely mentions Patel’s failure to address or redress the crimes to the Windrush generation. Third, shouting and swearing at staff is not only ineffective management but is counterproductive in terms of motivation. It is nothing to do with “demanding high standards”.
Ali Bailey
Salisbury
[see also: How Priti Patel became unsackable]
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