LETTERS

Diet dictators

Though usually opposed to state interference in our freedom of choice, when it comes to the subject of childhood obesity, Quentin letts (Mail) says that he ‘wobbles’.

May I urge him to stick to his principles. celebrity chefs are even less entitled to dictate to us than our elected representatives.

The problem with all such interference is that there is always likely to be a minority of ordinary, law-abiding citizens to whom restriction of choice can prove irritating.

The saintly Jamie oliver feels passionate about the sugar tax, but I am indignant that all of my favourite fizzy drinks, in which I indulge occasionally, rather than guzzling them down by the gallon, have been spoiled by manufacturers reducing the sugar content and substituting foul-tasting sweeteners.

I take responsibility for my own wellbeing, so why should I be denied an occasional pleasure because others are incapable of exercising self-restraint?

John WAINE, Nuneaton, Warks.

Sobering decision

The only people I can see benefiting from alcohol costing more in scotland are the drinks manufacturers and retailers who will pocket the profits from this scheme.

Poorer people who enjoy a drink as a treat are the ones who are going to be affected because they will struggle to pay more.

It won’t have any effect on alcoholics because they will always find the money to pay for their drink. Mrs Colleen Brunton,

Enfield, Middlesex.

Betraying our trust

How arrogant of the unelected House of lords to pass amendments that undermine our negotiating position with the eu and threatens to thwart the democratic will of the British people.

Both parties in the House of commons are committed by their manifestos to leaving the eu. It is the duty of the lords to support that intent, not think they know better and try to slyly reverse it.

They are betraying the trust of the British people in our democracy; the lack of democracy being one of the principal reasons why many of us voted to leave the eu. Commodore Malcolm WILLIAMS,

Southsea, Hants. spot the difference between the unelected eu President and commissioners, who ignore the votes of the elected european Parliament unless it agrees with their decision, and the unelected House of lords, which is ignoring the Government.

P. Wilson, Chester.

Respect the result

I Voted against Brexit, but when I saw that the majority were for it, I determined to abide by the referendum result.

How dare Parliamentarians, the majority of whom have no inkling or understanding of the views of the people, decide they know better than we do?

It’s time to grow up and pull together — that’s the way to achieve results.

WYNNE MITCHELL, Coventry. Can’t these ermine-clad has-beens and ‘never was’ nonentities grasp the fact that people voted for Brexit to get away from the ‘we know best’ types like themselves.

P. LACY, Nottingham. Living in Wales, I am overwhelmed by bureaucracy: the eu, Westminster, the Welsh Assembly, the city council and the community council. I look forward to Brexit getting rid of one of these drains on my taxes.

Mrs D.C. Hixson, Swansea. Would someone remind the unelected lords and the remainers in the commons that the referendum did not contain an option to leave the eu only on condition we negotiated a good deal. It was a simple choice — leave or remain — and the country voted leave. G. HILL, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

Note of despair

the Musicians’ union has revealed that half of its classical performers are on the breadline. Musicians with orchestral contracts are the chosen few — they have job security and can get mortgages and have pensions.

freelancers haven’t a hope of owning a home without help from mum and dad. It is the gut-churning knowledge that you are facing destitution at all times that makes many talented musicians give up.

My siblings, who are not musicians, have houses, cars and children, but I am considered to be the one who has done well.

Despite the fact I can discuss the differences between french and Italian baroque and wear tailored clothes to work, I am living on my overdraft, can only afford to rent, survive from gig to gig, and spend many sleepless nights worrying about how I can make ends meet.

Name supplied, London W7.

Wembley waste

The Government has yet to decide whether to write off the £160 million spent on Wembley stadium, set to be