There’s nothing extreme about being a populist

I’m slightly sick of the word ‘populist’ being used to suggest some sort of extremist (‘The Last Heave’, 5 January). The political establishment has proven itself broken not only in this country (see the failure to agree on a viable Brexit policy, let alone run a train service), but also widely across the EU, where the establishment has turned its back on listening to the people.

Reform needs to come, and soon. One result of social media and regular polling is that people are used to expressing an opinion, and expect to be heard. The idea that you elect someone for five years, during which time they can decide what is best for you, is out of date. We need a system where MPs are compelled to listen to their voters.

Andrew Levens
Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire

This letter appeared in this week’s magazine, available here.