If we can't stop wars and despots, how on earth can we stop practices like whaling in Japan?

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A minke whale unloaded at a port after whaling in Kushiro, one of around 500 whales killed by Japanese boats each year (AP)

Yoshihide Suga, the Japanese government’s spokesperson, should hang his head in shame.

There is far too much food wasted in rich nations of the world to warrant the resumption of whaling for it to be ethical and necessary. As I understand it, whale meat consumption is now bought and eaten by a small number of old age pensioners while the younger Japanese eat more sustainable fish foods. Most of the whale is used for other commercial money-making ventures.

Certain types of whales were almost fished to extinction and only a ban saved them from being yet another species destined for oblivion. If the world got together to organise food distribution so that “spare” food got to people who needed it, the hunting of whales – and other endangered animals – would be unnecessary. But we’d have to stop all the wars happening all around the world for there to be any hope of success. And get rid of the world despots – Putin, Trump, etc.

How do the sane peoples stop governing madmen from further ruining the world for future generations?

Keith Poole
Basingstoke

A total rethink on plastic bags

It should be no surprise that the plastic bag charge is not really working with people just paying 10p for a heavier bag which many will just throw away after one use.

What is really needed is a total rethink of our packaging. Instead of selling plastic bags to customers who don’t bring their own, maybe they should sell bags made of biodegradable hemp or similar type bags, even string bags. In addition, most goods should be packaged in non-plastic alternatives like paper, especially loose fruit and veg. Unfortunately, shops are too concerned with not upsetting customers so opt for the easy alternative of plastic for everything. Maybe once one decides to abandon plastic all will follow.

G Forward
Stirling

More lies. Can it be true?

Yet again the lies of the referendum Leave campaign have been exposed. In this case it was the Bangladesh Caterers Association who were promised that, post-Brexit, it would become easier for curry chefs to migrate to the UK. Yet this has not and will not happen under the government’s migration rules.

Those same curry restaurants are also suffering from the post-Brexit fall in value of the pound which has pushed up prices for their imported ingredients. This picture of staff shortages and increased costs has and will continue to hit many businesses across our country if we continue on our path and leave the EU. It really is time that the British people were asked again if this is the path we want to walk down.

Nick Haward​
Havant

Make change happen another way

The UK should focus on being active in the EU discussions for a new European social contract and remain in the EU. Change is here: embrace the EU process rather than be excluded through Brexit.

Amali De Silva-Mitchell
Windsor, Berkshire

Huawei’s involvement in 5G upgrade

So, our defence secretary has announced that “we have got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way”.

That’s the same Chinese state that’s deeply involved in the Hinkley Point nuclear power station and expected to build a chain of nuclear facilities across the UK. And the state with which we’re hoping to have a golden era of trade after Brexit.

Hmmm.

Lynda Newbery​
Bristol

Watch your pets on New Year’s Eve

For humans, 31 December is a night of celebration and festive cheer, but to animals, the thunderous New Year’s Eve fireworks can make it seem as if the heavens are falling. Every year, countless companion animals disappear after firework displays send them running in fear of their lives.

When startled, dogs can panic and try to flee. They may leap over fences, and some have even been known to jump through plate glass windows in an attempt to get away from the terrifying sounds. Many cats, dogs, and other animals are taken to animal shelters with bloody paws and torn skin after running and breaking through wooden fences. Lucky animals are reunited with their families, but others are never found. To avoid such upset, make sure that you stay indoors with your animal companions. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the noise of the fireworks, and turn on a TV or radio to help drown out the sound. Make sure that your animals are wearing a collar or harness with an up-to-date identification tag – just in case.

Finally, do contact local authorities and request that they switch to silent fireworks or laser light shows, which deliver all the splendour but none of the loud noises of conventional firework displays, sparing companion animals and wildlife much stress and trauma over the festive period.

Jennifer White, media and partnerships coordinator

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta)