Imogen West-Knights (Journal, 6 February) informs us that it is, by definition, impossible to level up the needy without redistribution of wealth or opportunity from the wealthiest. Back when Adam Smith became a professor in 1751, GDP per capita in the UK was some $1,800 a year (by Angus Maddison’s inflation-adjusted numbers). Today it is around $39,000. Reality is telling us that the economy is not a zero-sum game.
Tim Worstall
Senior fellow, Adam Smith Institute
• Perhaps before anyone looks at the feasibility of a bridge between Scotland and Northern Ireland (Report, 11 February), somebody might like to address the winter weather-related issues that have completely closed the brand new Queensferry crossing between Fife and Edinburgh – again.
Sally Cheseldine
Balerno, Edinburgh
• Adrian Cosker (Letters, 8 February) says the TV licence fee is “a regressive tax – though at about £3 a week, hardly a huge burden”. I challenge him to go to his local food bank and tell that to its clients face to face.
Paul Kenton
Aspen, Shropshire Union Canal
• I’m sure Keith Martin is right about the dubious pleasures of following a Premier League team (Letters, 11 February), but after supporting Stockport County for 50 years I would love to find out for myself. I’d better get making some marmalade.
Ian Grieve
Gordon Bennett, Llangollen Canal
• Your discussion on marmalade and longevity (G2, 10 February) is apposite, as “octogenarian” is an anagram of “orange action”.
John Norton
Kingston, Canberra, Australia
• As a Waspi woman, I have been waiting four years for my pension. Today’s the lucky day. Do I now need to start making marmalade?
Cathy Nicholas
Cardiff
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