You report (24 May) that Pauline Pennant, a UK citizen living overseas, pays UK taxes through her pension, earned after 30 years working with the NHS, yet is no longer entitled to free healthcare. If she is no longer entitled to this because she lives overseas, then why does she still pay UK tax on her pension and what, or who, is this deducted tax being used for?
Lin Aldridge
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire
• Once again we read that a woman “had fallen pregnant” (Landmark conviction for forced marriage, 23 May). Since the word “fall” generally indicates a failure of some kind, isn’t it time to replace this antiquated and somewhat sexist expression with the more factual “had become pregnant”?
Dr Brigid Purcell
Norwich
• Brian Baxter (Letters, 23 May) says he doesn’t “recall the Guardian ever having appointed a woman as its principal film critic”. But in the past it has employed Judith Williamson, whose reviews in the Guardian and the New Statesman were always illuminating and worth reading. I still miss them.
Derrick Cameron
Stoke-on-Trent
• Brian Baxter, Letters, 23 May) implies that the Guardian has neglected female film critics. Maybe, but its, its record for television reviewers is impeccable. The great Nancy Banks-Smith was the best ever, and Lucy Mangan is a worthy successor.
Carole Pountney
Brighton
• Margaret Squires (Letters, 22 May) may not like clothes moths, but they are an important member of our ecosystem; due to their ability to break down keratin, these fabulous little creatures are responsible for eating all kinds of common detritus. Hair, dust, shed skin cells and dead animals are all part of their diet. This is how they contribute to the circle of life.
Robert Dean
Brisbane, Australia
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