Easy to fight a war from an armchair
❑ I wonder how many of the armchair warriors, slamming our youth for not wanting to fight, are safely past conscription age? War is usually ran by wealthy powerful men, protected from any harm in their mansions, bunkers and palaces. As for young people being too unfit, they smoke and drink less, they are more fitness aware and health conscious than previous generations. Jackabilly
❑ A Bulgarian gang fraudulently claimed 54 million pounds in benefits from the benefits system. WTF??? How on earth can 5 people scam so much money in 5 years? More to the point who was checking their claims and hopefully these incompetent individuals are being placed on the dole. Only in the land of milk and honey could this happen. Cumbrian Kev
❑ Shops have been saving fortunes by reducing staff numbers over the years. We have to fetch our own stuff and even put it through the checkout ourselves. It’s hardly surprising that shoplifting has increased and now with Facial Recognition we’re all under suspicion. But don’t worry! Directors’ bonuses are unaffected. Anon ❑ The National living wage rate is set to be 11.45. A 35hr wk 400 sees 20839 pa. How are some people expected to live on state pension of 10600 pa? More than three quarters of the triple lock state pension 8.5% increase 695pa (seeing 203 .85 pw ) will be taken back in 530 pa tax because JEREMY HUNT chooses to freeze tax thresholds. Personal allowance thresholds are frozen at 12750 seeing 1.6 million pensioners pay tax for the first time 2028. The spokesperson for Lib Dems work/ pensions accuses him of ‘taking bolt cutters to the triple lock.’ Brian Linford Pontefract
❑ Goodness’ sake, I now see that state airline RwandAir have refused to transport refugees from UK to Rwanda as this could damage their reputation! Well, it has damaged our reputation and also wasted over half a billion pounds of taxpayers’ money. When will Rishi Sunak get a grip? Robert Boston
❑ A renewal quote in from Admiral multi car insurance. No claims nothing. further no claims bonus added!! But insurance up 40%. How and the f**k do they get these prices?? Why are they being allowed to inflate these prices by so much?? It is exactly the same as the vets! same as lawyers and dentists!! This government is failing miserably to keep prices down. The so called watchdog is failing miserably. Greed is everywhere, people are struggling to survive. Why are you letting them away with blatant profiteering? These car insurance companies have got to be pulled into line. I support no party, only common sense and fairness! Robert Smith
❑ The conviction of James and Jennifer Crumbley, for the (US school shooting) crimes of their son Ethan, and their sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison is a start for parents in taking responsibility for how they raise their children, what they enable, and the consequences that occur. Even as a teacher I often saw parents that did not take responsibility for their children’s misdemeanours, rudeness, lack of effort or respect and frequently doubted what had happened. These were in reality minor offences of immature youths but the sort of behaviour that will see them lose jobs or friendships. Dennis Fitzgerald
❑ Phil, Southend: I like your suggestion about sewing mailbags for those who were involved in the Horizon IT scandal. The sad fact is that it took an ITV drama to raise awareness and bring about the inquiry. Good luck to Alan Bates and his fellow sub-postmasters in their fight for justice. Dave Pinfold
❑ Never mind fake sausage growl. We have a French Bulldog that says Nigel. We have witnesses. Only problem is we don’t know who Nigel is. BOSS BOOTS