Next time you report on fresh food shortages (Report, 23 February), could you concentrate on courgettes? I don’t like courgettes. While I had noticed reduced stock in my local supermarket, there was still plenty to be had. It was only after the press reported on the matter that the shelves emptied. Perhaps your next story can be on how much panic-bought fresh produce with short shelf lives ended up being thrown away.
Emma Harris
Esher, Surrey
• The government has said there is an “established precedent” that former ministers can be supported with legal representation (Boris Johnson in line for more taxpayers’ money for Partygate defence, 22 February). Can you find some examples of this please?
Elizabeth Pearson
New Barnet, London
• You say Keir Starmer’s missions including economic growth “cannot seriously be faulted” (Editorial, 23 February). I disagree. Economic growth acts like a cancer on the planet, causing climate change and biodiversity loss. We need to consume less, not more.
Caroline Hearst
Reading, Berkshire
• What is the difference between a rhino and a consultant (Letters, 23 February)? One is shortsighted, thick-skinned and charges a lot, and the other is an animal with horns that mainly comes from parts of Africa and Asia.
Alan Short
(Consultant for 20 years), Colchester
• I knew I had reached middle age (Letters, 22 February) when I accompanied my elderly father to the toilet 10 minutes after I had done the same for my young son.
Phil Davies
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
