It is hard to escape the conclusion that this government is not very competent (Starmer abandons plans to delay local elections in England in latest U-turn, 16 February). However, I prefer a government that tries to do the right thing but is not very good at it, rather than one which competently does the wrong thing.
Laurence Gibson
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
We in Scotland support our national rugby team. We also read the Guardian print edition. What we can’t read, however, is a dedicated item on Scotland rugby, while we can read two full pages on England. Should I change team or paper?
Margaret Ward
Crossford, South Lanarkshire
We still have a Belling bed warmer (Letters, 20 February), and we use it to air beds regularly. Works a treat – although when the bulb goes, I don’t think that a modern low-energy one will do the job!
Clive Hawkins
Stratton, Cornwall
Our “hot-water bottle”, in a 1950s house without central heating, was the metal shelf from the coal-heated oven. Wrapped in a blanket and placed in the bed prior to bedtime, it certainly did the job for this youngster.
Les Forester
Greetland, West Yorkshire
Max Bell notes that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will get his pension now that he is 66 (Letters, 19 February). Will he also get a Freedom Pass?
Melanie Hewitt
London
A year on and still swooning – thanks for setting us up (Blind date, 22 February 2025).
Alexander and Gráinne
Belfast
