The deadly scenes in Ukraine are a poignant reminder of the incalculable cost of war

Mary Dejevsky’s insinuation that Russia is as fearful of the prospect of a third world war as we are, is misguided. Whether we have fully grasped it or not, we are now in the midst of a third world war.

The human and financial cost of this horrendous, deadly and destructive war is beyond belief. The scenes of death, destruction, desolation, displacement, deprivation and disease are another poignant reminder of the incalculable costs of war.

If these violent spectacles, inability to present any conflict resolution initiative and the sheer disdain for human rights and dignities are not considered to be a third world war, then what are they?

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London

I agree with your editorial from 1 April (“The cost of living crisis would be better termed a poverty crisis”) and on this sunny, but bitterly cold April morning, many people in Britain are facing an uncertain economic future.

I agree that the first nail in the penury coffin was not maintaining the £20 uplift to universal credit and giving nothing new in the now rather infamous spring statement, where apparently the chancellor has gone from fiscal hero to zero.

Rishi Sunak wants us to live within our means, but his own are far more rosier than most peoples and he needs to appreciate that fact and act accordingly.

But it is true to say that world events, including a completely unfathomable European war, have not helped and how that will play out in the months ahead is anyone’s educated guess.

And yes, the elephant in the room is the effects of Brexit, which has not proved itself to be the saving of this country. Instead, it is more likely to have a damaging and lasting effect which will take years to ameliorate.

The government needs to rise to the occasion, but am not holding my breath on that score, as I might expire from lack of sustainable and life-giving air.

Judith A Daniels

Norfolk

There are still a few good stories in the world and this one is not just a plant to fill space but rather a space to fill with plants.

A hotel in Kentucky is allowing visitors to bring their houseplants along to share their sunny environment. Generally, hotels are hesitant to even accept pets so this is a new direction in hospitality – although they are less likely to leave a mess anywhere or chew the furniture, even the carnivorous plants.

It may be an advertising stunt but it’s still a good initiative and the more that can be done to get people to return to travelling and holidaying the better. There is still so much of the world that is good, and this should plant a great idea in everyone’s head.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Melbourne, Australia

Regarding the future of the NHS and the mature debate that awaits us, I have to state the obvious, which is that the NHS operates on a needs only basis and not on the ability to pay.

Therefore the Queen can have her wisdom tooth removed on the NHS free of charge, for example. Is any political party going to have the courage to restructure the financial basis so that means are taken into account?

Stephen Barber

Address supplied

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John Rentoul’s analysis that the Tories can win the next election is based on his (and their) assumption that a substantial minority of voters are too stupid to see the contempt the government holds for them, and can be seduced by the same old lies, and the same old promises of unicorns just over the horizon.

The Conservatives are also convinced sufficient hatred and division can be whipped up to ride to victory under the tattered flags of Brexit, the “War on Woke” and immigration.

For both democracy’s sake and the future of our country, I hope they, and John Rentoul, are wrong.

John Murray

Bracknell

With the rocketing cost of living, the government needs to bring back Harold Wilson’s Prices and Incomes Board. It is quite unacceptable that some in top jobs still earn huge salaries while others struggle to make ends meet.

Also required are adequate benefits. No civilised society should need food banks as ours appears to do.

Income tax may well have to rise to pay for this – as long as other possibilities such as a windfall tax on oil and gas have been exhausted.

Andrew McLuskey

Middlesex