It wasn’t long ago that Europe was fractured – do we really want that again?

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Theresa May (right) with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Getty)

What an absolutely splendid letter from Lynda Newbery – “The helplessness we feel about Brexit and its consequences must not allow us to fall into complacency” – following on from a fine article by Harry Leslie Smith.

The problem is that the vast bulk of the people who were adults during the Second World War are now gone. My parents, if they were alive now, would be 93, a similar age to Harry, and were working in central London during said conflict. They would be horrified to see the mess we are in now and they would find it inexplicable all these people claiming, “we were OK on our own during the war,” who are clearly far too young even to remember the war.

We have lost our collective memories, and it is hard to see how we are going to get a grip on the realities of a potentially fractured Europe looming again.

Robert Boston
Kingshill

Many have expressed heartfelt concerns about Brexit, none more so perhaps than Harry Leslie Smith in his passionate article “Brexit threatens everything I fought for in WWII – and I say this on my 95th birthday”.

Some have made the case for Brexit to be implemented more effectively, while others would prefer to find a way to reverse the process altogether. At the same time, too many politicians across the political divide seem focused on how to gain political capital from the Brexit process. Working together to ensure the best possible outcome to reflect the majority view across the UK, appears to have got lost along the way.

In Scotland, the SNP still views Brexit as a lever to get what it really wants, namely to break away from the rest of the UK, and seems undeterred by the potential social or economic consequences.

Meanwhile, EU negotiators appear determined to punish the UK for having the temerity to want to leave. I voted Remain, but share the scepticism of Leave voters with the direction this club has been going in, and am even more concerned now to see how difficult extricating ourselves is proving to be.

Our European “partners” seem determined to make us suffer for wanting to go our own way. While they are no doubt wanting to give a message to others in the EU who might contemplate departing, it is no great advert for this club that the high cost of membership is now to be compounded by leaving being made as difficult as possible.

Keith Howell
West Linton

Why are people so rude on the Tube?

After reading Sarah Burrell’s article on travelling on the Tube, I sympathise with the problems people with disabilities face, but I am not shocked. I use the Tube less regularly these days but often encounter ignorant, aggressive and bullying behaviour from people “in a hurry” that can be intimidating especially in crowded areas, and I do not have a disability.

I was in South Kensington tube station last Saturday. The Circle and part of the District lines were closed, so there was a huge packed crowd in the ticket hall. People were pushing and shoving their way through, causing a dangerous crush and a potential accident down the stairs. There should have been more control from staff, but there wasn’t. I agree that more staff training would help but I am sad that it is necessary. Passengers also have a responsibility to create a safe environment.

Lyndsay Hills
Milton Keynes

My solution to the hot cross buns shortage

A shortage of hot cross buns? Shock, horror! Such a first-world problem, but how to solve it?

Perhaps supermarkets could consider restricting the sale of hot cross buns to the Easter period they are supposed to symbolise? Just a thought!

Sue Breadner
Isle of Man

Buying food locally is better for everyone

In just over a year, Britain will leave the EU prompting a possible increase in food prices, pressure on imports and potentially issues with supply and demand. Yes, it’s scary and worrying, but I actually think Britain has a good chance to do particularly well from Brexit if people support British farmers and pledge to buy food and drink locally.

So many of us are cut off from where our food comes from and fill our trollies with imported produce without a second thought. After Brexit, Britain needs to provide more opportunity for British farmers to help them increase production and get a fair price for their produce.

The big problem with the way we’re farming at the moment is that farmers are producing commodities, and middle men are taking all the profit. We need farmers to get a better share of the retail price by selling locally direct to the customer. This is the only way they can make money and plough (pun intended) profits back into our land to grow more and ensure that Britain can remain self-sufficient in the years to come.

Evidence suggests that buying locally is not only better for Britain and our environment, but it can also be cheaper. There have been many cases where dealing with local producers is cheaper and more cost effective. For example, the hospital in Nottingham that ended its contract with a major food supplier and started sourcing locally.

If we support British farmers now, then maybe Brexit won’t be the disaster we all think it might be for the future of our food industry?

Anthony Davison
Huntingdon

Adding to the plastics conversation

There are almost more articles nowadays about how to avoid single-use plastic than there is actual plastic. Not that I’m complaining. This increased awareness is long overdue, so here’s one more helpful tip from me. Every time you go online to review a hotel, bar or restaurant, however good it is, if they’ve used single-use plastic (cutlery, straws, “glasses”, whatever), politely ask them not to.

Patrick Cosgrove
Shropshire

Not even police should carry certain guns

The latest suggestion regarding the school shooting is from Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association: “We must immediately harden our schools.” The statement is difficult to read or accept and the only thing that may solve the hardened hearts of so many people is a hardening of gun laws.

Self-protection of your family is the normal citizen’s right and responsibility, but it shouldn’t involve the use of military level guns. These rapid-fire, high-powered weapons should be reserved for the military only – not even police should have them.

The NRA is shooting itself in the foot as eventually people will moderate their enthusiasm for being heavily armed and realise the NRA has a very self-obsessed agenda even when it is supporting many different politicians.

Don’t pull out the guns – get some flowers instead.

Dennis Fitzgerald
Melbourne, Australia

Give and take

Is it reasonable to expect those who opt out of donating their organs also opt out of receiving donated organs? Surely those who donate should be entitled to expect that their donated organ will go to someone who supports the scheme and those who opt out should find themselves at the back of the queue?

Michael Heppner
London N21

At least we’re “all in austerity together”

The people suffering from the Government’s austerity policies, highlighted in your article by May Bulman, will be comforted in the knowledge, as frequently put out by Cameron, Osborne et al, that we “are all in this together.”

After all Cameron and Osborne both lost their jobs, but do thankfully seem to be struggling on somehow.

G Forward
Stirling