Period products shouldnt be tax-free they should be free – The Independent

The UK government has pledged to scrap the so-called tampon tax next year. This it is claimed is fuelling periodpoverty, and will save the average woman 40 over a lifetime. While it is undeniable that they should never have attached VAT to period products in the first place, like so many other items to which VAT is now applied, it is disingenuous to claim that saving 40 over say 60 years or about 0.2 pence a day will help alleviate period poverty. Much better to follow the example of the Scottish government, and make essential sanitary product free.

Graham ForwardStirling, Scotland

Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

In response to the no-platforming of Amber Rudd, a number of politicians have vented their annoyance.In particular,Gavin Williamsonis reported as saying that he expects the University of Oxford to take robust action, and that if universities are not prepared to defend free speech, the government will.It is a pity he was not so exercised when African-Caribbean people were subject to the full force of the hostile environment and being deported under Rudds watch.

Christopher LeeChester

Diane Abbott voices grave concerns on Windrush compensation scheme

So the UKs most senior family judge has found that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, was complicit in kidnapping his daughters. Am I missing something, here, but doesnt that qualify as a criminal act? Wheres the international arrest warrant?

Rob PrinceSouth London

It is suggested that King Eadbald of Kent is the Queens 40th great grandfather. Each of us has two parents, so going back forty generations potentially involves a trillion ancestors each (two to the power forty), implying massive duplication of family trees. It is therefore very likely that we are all descended from these Kentish royalty, one way or another.

John WilkinBury St Edmunds, Ipswich

Friend of Princess Latifa describes moment Princess tried to escape Dubai

I have lived in East Sheen for 52 years so have experienced many closures of Hammersmith Bridge. It is clear, however. that this time drastic measures are needed to provide a bridge suitable for purpose forthe next 100 years.

I would like to see the old bridge moved downstream and to be used by pedestrians and cyclists only. In its place, a thoroughly modern bridge could be built, thus ensuring fewer extremely expensive renovations/conservations at what will probably be at shorter and shorter intervals if the present plan goes ahead.

Penny SmithSouth London

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Period products shouldnt be tax-free they should be free - The Independent