Readers have shared their thoughts on a range of topics, from the necessity of hydration breaks during the World Cup to an NHS text message joke and Andy Burnham's proposal for a 'No.10 North' in Manchester.
Are hydration breaks just TV ad breaks?
Fred from Hampshire questioned the frequent references to 'hydration breaks' during the World Cup, suggesting they are actually TV ad breaks for US television. 'Why in this World Cup, do they keep referring to the what is obviously a TV ad break for US television as a “hydration break”?' he wrote.
NHS appointment reminder text goes viral
Michael from Chingford shared a humorous text message he received from the NHS, which read: 'Dear patient, just a reminder that you have a television appointment with Dr Congo on BBC1 at 5pm on Wednesday, July 1. Please make sure that you have plenty of liquid refreshment available and be prepared for a long visit as extra time and penalties may be required to reach a verdict. Any follow-up appointments will depend upon England being any good at soccer.' He joked, 'Isn’t our NHS wonderful?'
Andy Burnham's No.10 North plan faces criticism
Alex Surtees from Leeds criticized the 'PM-in-waiting' Andy Burnham for focusing on regionalisation rather than addressing more pressing issues. 'What a waste of time and money. We don’t need more deck chair rearrangement, we need a lifeboat – and a General Election,' he said.
Den from Dartford added, 'At the rate he is going, he won’t get many votes in the next election past the Midlands.'
Iris from Stockport pointed out that a Downing Street already exists in Manchester, near Piccadilly Railway station, suggesting it could be a location for Burnham's proposed local parliament.
Devji Vekaria from London proposed '10 Central' as a catchier name than 'No.10 North'.
Keir Starmer described as 'ideologically empty vessel'
Chris Shepherd from London responded to a previous reader's comment, arguing that Sir Keir Starmer is neither left nor right wing, but 'an ideologically empty vessel pushed around by a largely left-wing grass roots and parliamentary party'. He expressed disappointment that the Parliamentary Labour Party is not predominantly Blairite.
Financial advice and zebra crossing etiquette
John W, via text, advised millennials struggling financially to join the military and learn a trade, citing his own experience joining the RAF in 1965 and working until 2025.
Lizzie from Liverpool disagreed with a previous reader who said pedestrians shouldn't feel obliged to thank drivers for stopping at zebra crossings, stating that many drivers do not stop, so she always acknowledges those who do out of courtesy.
