Fish feel the pain from angling
Madam, 
So catching one of the world’s biggest goldfish was “just luck” for a keen Kidderminster angler (Big catch was a golden moment, November 24).

Not quite so lucky for the fish in question, however, who was only released back into the lake so that another “intrepid angler” could catch her.

Fishes are sensitive, aware creatures who experience pain, and there is nothing good about spearing living animals on a hook, dragging them out of the water and leaving them struggling for life as they suffocate.

Nor is there a need for fish to be caught and killed for food, as we can all live healthily without consuming them or any other animals or animal products.

Thankfully, an increasing number of people are becoming vegan and ending their consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dairy, out of concern for the animals, the environment or their own health.

More info about switching to a more humane diet can be found on the Vegan Society website at vegansociety.com/go-vegan
Ronnie Lee
Wyre Forest Vegans 

Planet pays the price for our food
Madam,
 Recent letters to The Shuttle have highlighted the fact that our Government is sleepwalking towards disastrous climate change - and also the impact of transport distance on the environment.
 

So, as I was idly reading the back of my supermarket honey jar, I was shocked, but not surprised. My bog-standard honey comes now, not from Europe, but from China. 
Does it come 15,000 miles by sea I wonder? By tanker perhaps? Or maybe just the 5,000 miles as the crow flies – but by plane presumably? Or is it possible Boris Johnson managed to build a pipeline bringing honey into the UK from China?
 

Brexit seems to have been back in the news again recently. It turns out it is not going too well. But there is a big question that was never flagged up. What does that extra trade with far away countries, instead of our near neighbours, mean for the planet? 
 

What a waste of resources. What would we really miss about Brexit if we could trade more easily with Europe? I would certainly not miss honey from China. 
 Clive Wood

Dementia plan taking too long
Madam,
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and one of the greatest health challenges facing society. Earlier this year the UK Government announced a ‘visionary’ 10-year Plan for Dementia, aiming to increase diagnosis and support people with their health and care needs.

This announcement provided hope for the 900,000 living with dementia in the UK. The Government promised to publish the plan by the end of 2022 – but we are still waiting, and my patience is wearing thin.

With a change in Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, not once, not twice, but three times since July, progress on the 10-Year Plan for Dementia has stalled. 

While I am thrilled by the recent positive drug trial results, for those living in the now, this lack of clear direction from the Government is costing them time and hope.
Without delivering on their commitments, the Government are making a clear statement; dementia is not their priority. 

Publishing a plan to improve the lives of people affected by dementia is so important to me because it’s such a big problem affecting many lives which needs to be addressed NOW .
The Government must publish the plan  now and help people affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives.  
Name supplied