NHS HELD TO RANSOM

I’m not defending the Tories for running the NHS down, but drug companies must take some blame for the funding crisis.

They charge the earth for medications advertised as wonder cures. Taxpayers often pay for research done in universities, while the big pharmaceutical companies exploit this with patents, spending more on lawyers and marketing than research and holding health services to ransom.

Steph Pennells Manchester

Ros Wynne-Jones’ article on the DWP shambles was heartbreaking (Mirror, Jan 12). It really is the saddest state of affairs that a person contacted Ms Wynne-Jones saying they want to take their own lives because the callous Esther McVey has been promoted to Work and Pensions Secretary.

As if she didn’t do enough damage previously with the Bedroom Tax, PIP and so on. Lord knows what she has planned this time.

Sam Johnson Blackpool

With all the plastic waste, it’s about time ‘make-do-and mend’ was reintroduced as a lifestyle. I suggest people make plastic porridge pots from McDonald’s cartons, and wash and dry pots to re-use as storage jars. Also, large sheets of plastic can be re-used in the garden.

Felicity Williams Hanwell, West London