We need a tightening of gun licence requirements in the wake of the Plymouth shooting

On what basis is a 22-year-old crane driver with a social media presence demonstrating mental health issues and far-right interests deemed safe to hold a licence for a shotgun? Surely gun licence requirements need to be urgently tightened?

Brian Mitchell

Cambridge

Yesterday’s article by Maya Oppenheim ends: “We must prioritise investment in schools in low-income areas to build a fairer, thriving society – so every child has the chance to receive the grades that truly reflect their potential.”

Surely grades should reflect achievement not potential? Are teachers really awarding grades, not on what pupils have achieved now, but on speculation concerning pupils’ future potential?

Come back, exams. All is forgiven.

Roger Thomas

East Lothian

I hope that beyond this phase of intense brutality and settling of old scores, as the Taliban war machine rolls across Afghanistan, that some kind of “modus vivendi” is reached between the fundamentalist values of the insurgents and the more liberal aspirations of much of the Afghan population – particularly amongst its young in the main urban centres.

This may be too much to expect, and history suggests a long period of cultural and democratic suppression, but Taliban messages that girls will still be permitted to attend school if they are deemed to dress appropriately, hold out some encouragement even if it shocks western sensibilities.

If such small gestures are made, they should be responded to positively by the west in the hope that some relations can one day be re-established with a new regime in Kabul and discourage the country from drifting into the orbit of Iran or China.

Paul Dolan

Cheshire

The cost of installing air purifiers or other forms of ventilation across all schools is prohibitive and the time scale to purchase and set them up would be too long.

Surely, if there is a real risk of a Covid explosion in schools next term, we should be looking to vaccinate school children. Any such programme needs to be preceded by a national dialogue with young people, listening to their concerns and explaining the reasons for the policy.

John E Harrison

Chorley

As a self-confessed Sherlock Holmes addict, I have read many of the books, seen films back to Basil Rathbone, listened to countless radio adaptations, watched many TV series both serious and spoof, and not forgetting the play in the theatre. I also attended a rather good exhibition at the Museum of London a few years ago.

Therefore, I feel I have enough experience to confidently state that Una Stubbs, who has just died aged 84, was the best portrayal of Mrs Hudson across the entire canon. I shall rewatch this excellent series as soon as possible. Best wishes to all family and friends at this difficult time.

Robert Boston

Kent