Your report (European heatwave is worst ever and impossible without climate crisis, scientists say 26 June) concludes with the alarming impact of extreme heat on mortality. Should the UK winter fuel payment now incorporate a summer cooling payment? The cost of running fans, air-con units and other measures to keep older people safe from overheating is significant for many.
Lynn Malloy
Crouch End, London
• I recall my mum undergoing her first of many memory tests late in 2019 (Letters, 24 June). When asked who the prime minister was, she thought a bit then said: “It’s not Margaret Thatcher, is it?” To assist, I held up that day’s Guardian, which had a photo of Boris Johnson on the front. She looked, nodded and said: “Oh, him – he’s a clown.” Memory not great – judgment impeccable.
Shelagh Hubbard
Nottingham
• My uncle John was asked by a doctor for the name of the current prime minister. He immediately called a passing nurse and asked to be treated by a different doctor, adding: “This one doesn’t even know who the prime minister is.”
Graham Harrowell
Addingham, West Yorkshire
• When I moved to Manchester, my inquiry on first boarding the 85 at Piccadilly – “Do you go to the university?” – was answered: “No, I’m a bus driver” (Letters, 22 June).
Tudor Owen
Manchester
• Re the letters about the numbers of Roman emperors in a year (23 and24 June), is it too soon to talk about the year the US got its first?
Philip Clarke
East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
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