Rishi Sunak’s tax affairs are an example of levelling up – his go down, ours go up

When it comes to the Sunak’s tax affairs I really don’t see what all the fuss is about.

Surely this is just an example of the government’s levelling-up agenda. His family taxes come down while ours go up.

G Forward

Stirling

As with many of this government’s misdemeanours, the claim could be made that “no rules were broken” by the chancellor’s wife having non-dom status. However, it seems that they now consider it expedient for her to pay more tax. But that’s not really the whole point, is it? In a world, and country, where many have too little to eat, clinging on to extreme personal wealth is simply not respectable.

Wealth may result from overcharging for goods or services, manipulating markets, luck or inheritance. There are, of course, decent billionaires in the world who use their money for the good of others. Some rich people do work hard, but so do many poor people. Mention of redistribution is likely to provoke mutterings about the “politics of envy”. Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they? But most of us who are merely comfortably off have no wish to emulate the grubby rich or their dubious financial practices; we know that the most contented societies are the ones with least inequality. Unfortunately we don’t know how to persuade this government of that case.

Susan Alexander

South Gloucestershire

The pressing question to the Sunaks should be why did they consider it reasonable to pay tax in America on their worldwide earnings while holding green cards when they are not now prepared to do the same for the good of the UK tax system.

Compulsion is clearly more compelling than any sense of morality. But then questions of morality and members of the Conservative government don’t sit well in the same sentence.

S Lawrence

Enfield

I read Sean O’Grady’s column (Sunak’s hope of leadership may have come to an end, 9 April) and he makes some interesting and pertinent points about this now probably in the past heir apparent’s tilt at the leadership role.

Yes his botched spring statement was dire and actually pleased no one with its tin-eared response to the cost of living crisis, and then of course it has been a subsequent downhill trajectory. I agree with O’Grady that the one stand-out cabinet performer is Ben Wallace, because he appears to have authenticity in spades and does not rely on social media to boost his profile, which in my book is a great plus in itself.

His appraisal of the cabinet ministers was a good one and Wallace does appear to be a solid performer, and one has no real difficulty in believing and actually respecting what emerges from his mouth. The country needs veracity, a hard-working ethic and less flash and cash, so bring it on.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk

After Putin invaded Ukraine, the US administration timidly succumbed to Putin’s threats to widen the war if the US and Nato became directly involved. We abandoned Ukraine to the Russian war crimes machine by not confronting the aggression within Ukraine. Economic sanctions against Russia and the supply of defensive military equipment to Ukraine will not stop the wanton deaths and destruction. They need combat aircraft, tanks and long range offensive missile systems.

The murdering of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian military is similar to the German atrocities committed in Europe during the Second World War, and the ramifications of the US and Nato not going into Ukraine will reverberate in Europe for many years.

Russia could have military forces closer to the borders of Nato countries, and Russia could threaten these countries unless they agree to leave Nato.

The world is faced with a Russian tyrant who is intent on expanding into other countries and willing to achieve his aims by warfare. The free world will be locked in a new Cold War and possible military confrontations with Russia as Putin tries to recreate the Soviet empire.

Nato should be encouraged to increase its military forces; and offensive missile systems should be deployed in Nato countries. Russia has exhibited inhumanity to man, and it is the immoral enemy of mankind.

Donald Moskowitz

Londonderry

Every time I see a photo of Priti Patel in The Independent, the old Brecht/Weill song comes into my head:

‘Oh the shark has

Shiny teeth, dear

And she keeps them

Pearly white’

I wondered if your picture editor has the same tune running through their head?

Iain Boyd

Bristol

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In regard to your exhausted teachers article (8 April). It’s about bloody time...

As a chair of governors my personal concern for at least the last 18 months has been for the physical and mental well-being of our staff across the board, leaders, teachers and support staff. Repeatedly required to continue education with reams of “guidance”, in school and remote learning at the drop of a hat, exams but then again no exams, non existent catch up tuition... the list is endless.

And every time no warning, no help, just an expectation that the usual edict from government would result in action and a result.

I have thought hard about taking a public stance, but as I survey our children in A-level years, who have taken no exams at GCSE level now, dealing with exams that will determine their future. And the continuing efforts of our staff to support them and their confidence and mental health through this Easter break, with extra online and in-person tuition after all we have fought through to give our children a good foundation for the future, enough is enough.

Britain needs to refocus on the needs of our children and the brilliant educationalists and all who underpin them to strengthen our future.

All public services have received the same treatment. They have simply been expected to carry on regardless.  Unseen but underpinning our nation they continued to educate, empty bins, nurture our health and so on.

They are heroes and heroines yes, but most of all they are spartans for their determination and resilience. For this they are due recognition and respect.

Anon

England