Rishi Sunak’s subpar solution to NHS waiting lists | Brief letters

Good to see that Rishi Sunak is dealing with NHS waiting lists in the traditional Tory manner. “Although we’ve virtually eliminated the people waiting the longest, we haven’t yet made a significant enough dent in the waiting lists,” he is quoted as saying (Report, 8 January). I’m not eliminated yet, although as I wait for my op, the chances are getting better every day.
Ormond Simpson
Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Am I the only one feeling sympathy for Dmitry Rybolovlev (Russian oligarch sues Sotheby’s for ‘helping art dealer trick him into overpaying’, 8 January)? You’ve labelled him “the world’s 180th richest person”. But if Bill Shankly was right and “first is first, second is nowhere”, then what does that mean for Mr Rybolovlev?
Alex Koval
Manchester

Another reason for celebrating Wetherspoon’s pubs: they are one of few pubs that are dog free (Letters, 7 January). I can eat and drink without having to pretend I am interested in the age of other customers’ dogs.
Trevor Hopper
Lewes, East Sussex

When I was buying the Guardian in Leeds 10 years ago, having just arrived from Australia, the newsagent said: “You pay more for big words” (Letters, 8 January). As someone new to the complexities of English society, I couldn’t have asked for a better lesson.
Matt Campbell
Sheffield

Will it take another superb TV series to speed up the compensation and
reparation for the NHS blood scandal victims?
Judith Cutler
Kemble, Gloucestershire