COMMENTING on Parliament’s overwhelming approval for the RAF to extend its operations in the Middle East into Syria last week, American Republican Senator John McCain commented: “We will have some token aircraft over there from the British and they’ll drop a few bombs, and we’ll say thank you very much.”

Senator McCain needs to remember two things – firstly America does not have so many friends around the world that it can afford to insult the country that has been its staunchest ally for so many years.

Secondly, we punch way above our weight in the global arena, and this little island’s contribution to the ‘policing’ of the world, financially, militarily and in terms of foreign aid is out of all proportion to our size.

The senator’s remarks were, uncalled-for, shameful and insulting.

ROBERT READMAN

Norwich Avenue West

Bournemouth