The fanciful painting used to illustrate the print version (19 February) of your article discussing possible reasons for the demise of the Neanderthals offers yet another explanation. There appears to be just one identifiable female individual shown, breastfeeding a baby. Though the painter has modestly covered all genital areas, it’s obvious to the viewer that the other 14 or so are intended to be male. No wonder they died out.
Maggie Jones
Blackheath, London
• Try telling the nurses and carers in the NHS, the refuse collectors, teachers, volunteers and all the many people who are propping up our society that “it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service” unless you are working as a member of the royal family (Harry and Meghan will not return as working royals, says palace, 19 February).
Christine Fuchs
Chigwell, Essex
• Does Tory MP Simon Hoare, who said trains under the Irish Sea could be pulled “by an inexhaustible herd of unicorns” (A tunnel linking Scotland and Northern Ireland? Fantasy has replaced British modesty, 19 February), not realise that, under the European unicorn quota negotiated by Boris Johnson, we can barely supply the home counties?
Austen Lynch
Garstang, Lancashire
• So sorry to read of the passing of Grace Dent’s mother (British grief centres mainly around the making of sandwiches, 19 February). I hope Grace continues to share her memories of family food in Feast, a welcome panacea in these sad times.
Ann Newell
Thame, Oxfordshire
• Am I getting more stupid or are the crosswords getting harder? Or could this be a side-effect of the jab?
Simon Drew
Dartmouth, Devon
