How the police should control mob protests

Should the police be allowed to use "kettling" tactics?

“The Times”, which can usually be commended for its good sense, invariably takes an anti-police line. Characteristically, the newspaper has found it incomprehensible that the police were unable to guarantee the safety of every member of the huge G20 mob, which congregated from across the country and across the world to intimidate. “The Times” is now developing a sophisticated system of feedback and brilliant readers’ letters, such as these below, effectively scuttle all the previous lengthy column inches of unconstructive politically correct indignation. The irony of the last letter says it all!

I did my time protesting in the Seventies and it takes two to tango. You have the right to protest, but I also have the right to go about my lawful business without obstruction by you. I also have the right to do so without being spat at or threatened because I am in a suit.

Mark Morgan

OK, the G20 policing was far from ideal, but what else would you have the police do? Use water cannon, CS gas and Tasers?

John Fletcher

Here's an idea: let's take away the officers' extending batons, shields, stab vests, helmets, CS spray and handcuffs and just have them all politely inform wrongdoers and criminals to be nice. Because that will work, won't it?

Rooney Westall

The scandalous injustice of the allocation of subsidised Council Housing for life

The times invited readers' comments on the question whether council tenants who sub-let their homes should be evicted?

Two readers cogently described the inequity of the current system of allocating subsidised housing for life.

Being awarded a council house is like winning a lottery of a lifetime's worth of cheap housing. Tenants should be means-tested annually.

Laura Pelling

I know of a block in London where there's lots of sub-letting. The block is exceptionally located and has large units with pretty decent tenants. You can apply for housing after living in the area for a few years, so you do get some middle-class people living there. It is like winning the lottery. A crazy waste of public funds.

James C.