Reflecting on patriarchy, the excellent Suzanne Moore (G2, 19 October) identifies the problem as power imbalance – where one set of people have the power over others to dictate if they will eat or not. Answer: a universal basic income for everyone removes one part of the vulnerability that gives the Weinsteins and Sampsons their power.

Dr Anne Brockbank

Brockbank McGill Associates

• I’m a proud cockney (Leave it out! £55 East End themed dinners spark row, 20 October). I don’t smoke or wear a tracksuit, have been a director of public health and CEO of a local authority. I’ve occasionally been disrespected due to my accent, which is uncommon in high public office in the south. But living in the north for 30 years, it’s not been an issue as it’s recognised as a working-class accent.

Lee Adams

Sheffield

• Three-legged stools for Welsh cowshed floors (Letters, 20 October) are unlikely to have all three legs of the same length. The single shorter leg is positioned nearest to the animal, and the resultant inward slope of the seat enables the milkmaid to lean into Daisy Clarabelle’s flank while reaching under to the business end. You don’t get that level of intimacy with a modern milking machine.

Steve Simmons

Blackwater, Hampshire

• Can anyone explain how the proposed statutory duty of universities to uphold free speech (Report, 19 October) fits with their statutory duty to prevent extremism and radicalisation?

Alasdair Murray

Richmond upon Thames, Surrey

• So the future for mankind might be living in a cave on the moon (Report, 20 October). That’s progress for you.

David Gerrard

Hove, East Sussex

• Dried coffee grounds make a good replica of tilled earth for OO gauge model railways (FAO Victoria Beckham: nine uses for coffee, G2, 19 October).

John Loader

West Witton, North Yorkshire

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