Letters: Fat chance tax on unhealthy foods would help the obese

There can be very few people nowadays who are unaware of the need to control their weight and the fact that they still overeatsuggests that only a tax of at least 100 per cent of the cost would have any effect, and not much at that.

A lateral approach would be more beneficial in the sense of initially aiming for a reduction in the amount, not the type of food involved. It is, after all, eating too much that is the prime cause of obesity, along with lack of exercise. A gradual change to "healthier" diet would be more likely to succeed after weight loss.

Like many of my generation, I was raised on a supposed "heart attack" diet, with lots of fried food, including the fast food of the day – fish, pie and pudding suppers from the shop. I don't recall any childhood obesity among us.

Robert Dow, Ormiston Road, Tranent

Poor housing also a problem to solve

IT'S absolutely right much more effort is made to ensure no-one is sleeping rough on our streets (News, 12 January), especially in the horrendous recent cold weather.

It's also a shame for all persons living in cold, damp housing.

Mrs June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh

Ban stoops to level of the extremists

ANJEM Choudray's Islam4UK organisation is a vile organisation which all right-thinking people condemn.

That said, however, the decision by the Home Secretary to ban it is a travesty and a crime against free speech. The right of free speech is absolute and sacrosanct. There can be no debate about limits. We either believe in it for those we despise or we don't believe in it at all.

None of Choudray's organisation has been charged with a terrorist offence. If they did then they should be locked up.

Banning him plays into his hands and elevates him to a status he does not deserve.

Choudray has the right to protest if he wishes, just as equally reprehensible extreme right-wing organisations such as the BNP and the English Defence League and Stop Islamisation of Europe have the right to demonstrate against him.

Banning Islam4UK sets a dangerous precedent. Western liberal democracy is a better system than the Saudi-style theocracy Choudray espouses. The price we pay for that unfortunately is sometimes having to listen to views that are unpalatable to us. If we stoop to the level of criminalising Islamic extremists then we simply stoop to their level.

Alan Hinnrichs, Noran Avenue, Dundee

Help at hand when the chips are down

JUST to say a big thank-you to all of the kindly people who helped me brave the snow and ice last week.

I was assisted on my way to a greengrocer in Stockbridge to purchase a supply of potatoes.

When I came out of the shop my potato bag broke, emptying its precious contents on to the pavement. A group of people at the bus stop gathered up the escaped vegetables and even went inside the shop to buy me a brand new carrier bag and then helped me home. God bless.

Mrs S Griffin, Jamaica Mews, Edinburgh

Sir Galahad to the rescue once again

THE age of chivalry is alive and extremely well in Harrison Gardens, where I had parked the car to do a bit of shopping.

On my return, I could not get the car out of the parking space into the street.

I sat, helpless and hating the whole world when a very handsome Sir Galahad, walking his dog in the park, leapt the railing and offered to push the car. He assured me it would be no trouble and he proved it – one push and I was off.

I want to record my gratitude to this young man and, ladies, look out for him. No home should be without one!

Mary McNaughton, Ashley Drive, Edinburgh