Anger directed at MPs online shows that people feel let down and lied to

According to Dominic Raab, online hate directed at MPs is out of control.

I would suggest that it’s possibly because an increasingly large number of people utterly loathe politicians. They detest this government’s lies and the way they blame everybody else for the fact that this country is falling apart, rather than taking any responsibility for their lack of forward thinking and planning.

People are frustrated that they have less and less money in their pockets to pay bills, feed and clothe their children, and heat their family homes, if they are lucky enough to afford a roof over their heads.

It really isn’t rocket science.

Linda Evans

London

We can all agree that toxic attitudes towards public figures are destructive.

Perhaps if public figures, especially those in positions of leadership, could speak truthfully and answer questions directly, “the people” would stop feeling voiceless, and be less likely to resort to unpleasant language.

The fault isn’t always with those who speak or post out of frustration.

Paul Dickson

Peebles

Your article on the 15 minute city reminds me of my youth in the 1940s and 1950s.

Children attended the neighbourhood school within walking distance of home. There was a greengrocer’s and butcher’s within walking distance, where my mother shopped daily for fresh produce. People often worked within walking distance of home.

Will we, at some time in the future, have to return to some of these norms as the climate crisis increases?

Michael Pate

Preston

The distinguished academics arguing against granting new licences for hydrocarbon exploration are completely right in their direction of travel. The government needs to heed what they say, declare its intent and commit itself through legislation. We need to move rationally, if quickly, towards a world where oil and gas are used sparingly.

Press, as we must, for increasing reliance on “green” energy, the UK has nowhere near enough carbon-free energy generation capacity and, as currently demonstrated by the gas supply crisis, a pathetically small storage capacity for either hydrocarbons or electricity from renewable sources.

We must hasten the time we can claim reliance only on renewables and, thus, lead by example. But, in the meantime, we need to ensure that we are not forcing a dependence on hydrocarbons shipped thousands of miles from countries which might decide to limit what they provide.

Ian Reid

York

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Regarding the campaign for increased face to face GP appointments, I wonder how many GPs could fit in a working day.

We still have the hygiene and safety procedures for Covid in medical settings, so disinfection of surfaces and equipment between patients will be needed. If this takes 10 minutes, then each 10 minute appointment occupies 20 minutes, so a GP could see only three patients an hour.

If I were a GP, I would find this working day, with a 10 minute break between appointments, something the governing body should campaign for.

Alan Pack

Kent