The billions lost to tax evasion by small retail businesses (Report, 9 September) could be addressed by reinstating the 100 or so local tax offices that were closed by the Conservatives. I remember, when I worked for HM Customs and Excise, visiting a retailer after a local paper had reported on an investigation into VAT evasion involving another retailer. He had on his desk a copy of the paper, and said to me on arrival: “I need to tell you something.”
Ian Arnott
Peterborough
Aditya Chakrabortty refers to that rightwing set of Tories who “speak golf-club identity politics” (Opinion, 12 September). It’s a phrase I have often used too, adding “Surrey” as an adjective. But is this really fair? Are there no golfers for Labour? Ramsay MacDonald was a keen golfer – but perhaps that’s not a good example for the current government.
Dave Verguson
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
I was immensely cheered to see the chaos in Ed Davey’s kitchen, depicted in the photograph with your interview (13 September). At last, a photo of a politician not spin-doctored for the public.
Helen Welham
Edinburgh
Four mobiles on the Lib Dem leader’s kitchen table? Should he spend less on burner phones and more on renovating his kitchen?
Stuart Garside
New Mills, Derbyshire
Given the wonky state of Ed Davey’s kitchen drawers, it’s quite clear that he should never be allowed to form a cabinet.
Tim Craig
London
