The government says we should use our common sense. It’s the first sensible thing they’ve said

Please send your letters to letters@independent.co.uk

Despite the criticisms about his handling of the Covid-19 crisis, the prime minister must be praised for his assertion that, as the lockdown progresses, the British public must use their common sense ... rather than rely on his government’s advice.

Bambos Charalambous
Manchester

Fishy tales

Regarding your editorial about the need for European customers to buy our fish.

Our fishing industry has become very much reduced during our time within the EU. There may not be many good sized boats and trawlers still working.

However, I think that Europe will want our fish. Many of the varieties caught in our waters are not the sort that are typically eaten by the UK general public. We have always exported them to Spain and Europe.

Mary Argent
Brentwood

Order, order

I agree with the Labour Party that the return to business as usual in the House of Commons is not a feasible plan at present, as it indeed may cause the virus to promulgate.

Of course Jacob Rees-Mogg wants a return, so that sycophantic Tory ministers and backbenchers can raise the proverbial roof with their cries of support for the prime minister. He now looks oddly discomforted and isolated, whilst his broad brush statements are often missing the mark. I feel too that the virtual parliament gives a sense of freedom to MPs who can voice their legitimate views, without disapprobation from their colleagues.

Judith A Daniels
Great Yarmouth

Stay alert

Great article about Covid-19-related scams. I agree with being vigilant and if necessary, contacting the named company or department. A simple thing to start with is clicking on the sender’s name in the email. In nearly all cases of scams the sender’s email address is clearly not related to the suggested sender. Report it.

Tom van den Bergh​
Address supplied

A balancing act

Therese Coffey, who has a PhD in chemistry, should know better than to blame “wrong science“ for bad decisions. Scientific knowledge is usually incomplete, and this is certainly the case with understanding Covid-19. Politicians have the unenviable job of balancing alternative uncertain risks and choosing the least bad option as it appears at the time. They should not attempt to hide behind scientific advice, but they should be prepared to explain how they made their judgements in the light of that advice.

John Wilkin​
Bury St Edmunds

Zoom thoughts

The social, economic and educational consequences of the virus are now recognised to have disproportionate effects – race, disability, age.

At the younger and older end of the spectrum is there now the case for a “freeze”? No one should return to a workplace, including schools, until it is safe. Could we not simply restart certain years? This might even be an opportunity for moving the academic year to the calendar year. A freeze could also be applied to sports seasons.

My 10-year-old granddaughter thought of this on Zoom last weekend. Maybe more of her age on the daily briefings would increase confidence in decision making.

At the same time, the older among us can expect heavily reduced employment opportunities. State pensions – for all, from now – at age 60 would be a first step towards meaningful assistance for what may be left of our lives.

John Nicholson
Manchester