Readers' letters - May 23

Last Thursday, May 17, the Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport reduced the maximum stake on fix-odds betting terminals from £100 every 20 seconds to £2.This is a positive step, but it still doesn’t address the issue of online betting.For some, gambling addiction will move from the real world to the virtual world, online.Fixed-odds betting terminals and, to a lesser extent, The National Lottery and the like are a tax on the poor.It beggars belief that these machines, up until now, have had so little regulation from Central Government. The same applies to the loan shark industry. It is allowed to roam this country taking money with menace like a modern day Dick Turpin.There is no situation so dire that a politician can’t make worse.Regulations in this country can be quite severe when it comes to parking, fishing and dog ownership, just to name a few.But multi-national companies and wealthy individuals can rob people with impunity, sometimes causing them to take their own lives, as they see it as the only way out of the nightmare they find themselves in.The welfare of the people should be the supreme law.The vulnerable in our society need more protection on these important matters.John Bookervia email

Do you know an inspiring stroke survivor?

I write as a proud supporter of the Stroke Association and now a judge for the prestigious Life After Stroke Awards. I’m inviting your readers to nominate their stroke heroes and celebrate the courage and dedication shown by stroke survivors, carers and volunteers in overcoming the challenges following a stroke.In November 2016, I had a stroke. I was one of the fortunate ones. As a result of my wife’s quick-thinking, I received excellent treatment and with the help of many people, I’ve made a good recovery. Stroke has a massive and sudden impact. It affects us physically and emotionally.The charity is currently looking for nominations for the 2018 Life After Stroke Awards. Winning an award is an incredible experience but it can only happen with your nomination. If you know an inspiring stroke survivor, or person who supports stroke survivors, enter them for an award today. The closing date for nominations is May 31, 2018. Visit www.stroke.org.uk/lasa.Mark GoodierBroadcaster & EV Expert

Step up for 30 days of fitness

I really love being active and that’s why I’m supporting Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer’s latest fundraising campaign to get sponsored to do 30 minutes of physical activity for 30 days in June. Step up for 30 is a fantastic way for you to be more physically active to reduce your risk of bowel cancer – the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. This can be anything from yoga, walking in the sunshine or taking your favourite class at the gym.Whilst you’re getting fitter and feeling healthier, you’ll be raising money to fund the highest quality research and essential support services that will save lives from bowel cancer. Sign up at: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/stepupfor30Gaby RoslinTV & Radio Presenter

Accept majority vote and move on

The suggestion by ‘one million’ university students that the Brexit vote be redone, now that they are old enough to vote, is amusing, unrealistic and potentially dangerous.The reality is that the vote has been done and that’s it! If only we could revisit a few of our past votes, I am sure the world would be better – no President Trump for example. Democracy is still the best option and so long as it is incorruptible, it is fair and all should accept the vote of the majority and move on.Dennis Fitzgeraldvia emailDouble standardsYou can’t sleep on the streets of Windsor if you have nowhere to go, yet it was okay for thousands of people to camp out on the streets for the last week or so if they were wrapped up in a Union Jack waving a flag.Double standards.Jayne Grayson Address supplied