SBS to the rescue Don’t blame pensioners

GOOD news that the Special Boat Service, with Royal navy helicopters and other service personnel in support, boarded a tanker in the Solent to round up the stowaways/ hijackers who had threatened the crew. This quick and efficient operation prevented a possibly serious situation.

Britain may not enjoy the mastery of the seas it once had, but this operation shows that when needed the Senior Service steps up to the mark. It still has the nelson touch. Were I the First Sea Lord, I would give the order to splice the mainbrace!

ALEX ARMSTRONG,

Broadstairs, Kent. THANK you, SBS, for your nineminute skirmish off the Isle of Wight. now the real battle begins as an army of ambulance- chasing pirate lawyers lay siege on the legal aid pot that keeps on giving.

They will be scratching around for human rights excuses for not deporting those involved.

R. J. SEBIRE, Vale, Guernsey.

FORMER pensions minister Steve Webb warns the Tories may introduce a ‘more flexible’ interpretation of the manifesto pledge to keep the triple lock on the state pension.

The weasel word ‘flexible’ will not hide a breach of a promise.

The elderly are an easy target to compensate for state profligacy. They are caricatured as useless and rich at the expense of the young by politicians who will never be poor in old age.

This cynical attempt to set the old against the young is unforgivable. Many old people, who will face a rise in the cost of living, higher council tax bills and raids on their savings, are trying to help their grown-up children financially and provide childcare for grandchildren. They should not be scapegoated and made figures of resentment.

Dr FRANK PALMER, Twickenham, Middlesex.