Aditya Chakrabortty describes the democratic failure endemic in British politics (Opinion, 19 October). It must be time for Labour to embrace the single transferable vote to ensure that the UK is never again subjected to the whims of a small section of society. While Labour may win by a landslide at the next election, a complete reversal cannot be ruled out five years later. The country deserves a meaningful vote that breaks this destructive cycle.
Felicity McGowan
Cardigan, Ceredigion
• I feel some sympathy for Gina McKee telling people she was a tree surgeon rather than an actor (Interview, 20 October). As a professional archaeologist in the 70s, I’d say I was a teacher when asked what I did, to head off conversations about Erich von Däniken.
Bill Britnell
Shrewsbury, Shropshire
• During a rehearsal for Oliver!, a small boy was high up on a long platform, slowly – and painfully – reading in for someone absent. As he approached a very long paragraph, in exasperation I called out: “Just skip to the end.” He did so – literally (Letters, 20 October).
Margaret Harris
Isleworth, London
• I note from your Birthdays list in the print edition (22 October) that, at 83, George Cohen is a former footballer, whereas at 82, Pelé is a footballer. Which team does he play for?
Richard Ellerker
Warboys, Cambridgeshire
• To refer to Liz Truss’s tenure as prime minister as an “era” seems a massive overstatement (The trauma of the Truss era will afflict British politics for years to come, 21 October). Perhaps it should be referred to as the Liz Truss error.
Paul Collins
Sale, Greater Manchester
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