So 22-year-old Alex Beaton would vote Green in an ideal world, was once a Lib Dem and, without giving a single thought to the remaining mainstream party, says he will now probably vote Tory. I can’t think of a more telling indictment of both our electoral structure and the Labour party, which is now a corrupt irrelevancy for Alexes of all ages.
Gavin Lewis
Manchester
John Harris thinks that power may lie with the people on election day. But if 90% of the electorate changed sides, chose assorted fragments, spoiled their papers or stayed away, “They” would still get in. Socialists, liberals and immigrants should back the Greens en bloc, and everyone else should vote Ukip. That would wake up Westminster.
David Ashton
Sheringham, Norfolk
Julie Walters is spot on: education is the key to social mobility. The grants system used to mean that a student could study anywhere in the UK; now, anyone without parents or a job to subsidise them is limited. This will be fine until the effects permeate the arts, and they lose all diversity, honesty and authenticity.
Scottishpandas
On theguardian.com
The lack of social mobility in our acting profession is why there are so many costume dramas. Compare the TV coming out of the US with what’s being made in the UK. British drama is becoming a theme park.
godburn
On theguardian.com
I used to get offered tea when I was a postman, but never the loo, so by the time my round finished I was often in a desperate state. I had a regular wee spot in the shrubbery of one garden, but that was deciduous, so in winter I was in full view.
hoxtonbelle
On theguardian.com
Like Sophie Heawood, I was written off academically only to feel a sense of indignation and go on to get a master’s. Rather than hatred, it is often injustice that fuels us.
Rossana Dowsett
On theguardian.com
Helen Pidd’s review of the new Yaris was funny and down-to-earth. Most importantly, her comments were based on experience, which means you trust her judgment.
David Whitty
London
Marks & Spencer was criticised for its dinosaur pyjamas “for boys”. Aren’t you just as guilty with your “men’s” rucksacks? I fancied many of the bags and see nothing masculine about them.
Eve Hahn
Edgware, London
How old is the person who illustrates Molly Ringwald’s column? Last week is the second time people in their 50s or 60s have been represented with stooped, elderly people who might be in their 90s.
Gayle Wade
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
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