Why are we still in Afghanistan?

I find it almost impossible not to be emotionally upset by the sight of our deceased military personnel in their Union flag-draped coffins on their return to their homeland and the sad, desperate grief of their loved ones.

But to reduce these killings by colour-coding them "green-on-blue" (signifying an attack by Afghan personnel on Allied troops) is nothing short of disgusting.

It reduces these vicious murders to the status of a video game.

Sadly, and despite public opinion, the utterly useless and totally pointless campaign carries on.

The bitter irony in all this is that the British taxpayer is funding the very weaponry that kills our own people.

Past history proves that the weaponry provided and the military skills taught to the Afghans will inevitably be used against us at some time in the future, but we never seem to learn from these lessons.

It is the policy of lunacy. We should tell our Government to end this madness now.

Harold Varnam, Countesthorpe.

I agree with David Frost concerning holiday insurance. I had an extremely serious illness while on holiday in 2009, which entailed a lengthy stay in St Paul's Hospital in Hong Kong, receiving intensive treatment.

Although I was fully insured, the hospital demanded £8,000 up front before treatment even started! I've since found out that this is normal practice in many countries.

The insurance company did not settle all hospital charges until the day I was discharged.

Had we not had sufficient funds available using credit cards and so on to provide surety, I would not have received treatment.

Holiday insurance is not as straightforward as many people believe.

My husband was left to deal with it all while I lay seriously ill. So be warned, never travel without holiday insurance – you never know!

BS Cracknell, Leicester.

A huge turnout of grateful former patients, parents and supporters – from babes in arms to a great gran – descended on Westminster last Monday for a silent (almost!) vigil to help save our internationally- renowned children's heart surgery unit at Glenfield.

As well-reported, it is under threat of closure.

But there is to be a possible review of the findings of the NHS by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP).

We had our placards, posters, balloons and banners, but most of all huge enthusiasm. That, together with support from local MPs of all hues – who came over the road to encourage us and discuss the issues – made it a powerful day.

Their general advice was to get the 100,000 signatures (currently at 75,400, plus paper petitions) and we can join in the debate in Parliament and also show intent to the IRP.

How often do we hear the phrase "but what can we do about it?"

Well, how about signing the online petition – it's very straightforward and takes two to three minutes (honest).

Thanks on behalf of our children.

The web address is:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk /petitions/35788

Sally Smith, Leicester.

In response to Liz Bailey's letter about Sainsbury's disabled parking, I totally agree with her.

I am disabled and walk with a stick. It is a long way to the store, but the other Friday evening it was pouring with rain.

I got wet, but not as much as the two people in the car next to us.

The man had to get his wife's wheelchair out of the boot, then help her out of the car into the wheelchair, and then walk over to the entrance of the store. They were both wet through.

They then had to do their shopping, return to the car in the rain, help his wife into the car and unload the shopping

So Liz Bailey has a point. Why are they not situated opposite the entrance, where they should be?

Obviously whoever designed the car park was not disabled.

L Copson-West, Wigston Harcourt.

In reply to the lady who wrote in about parking at Sainsbury's, near Fosse Park.

My partner has to lift our scooter in and out of our car, and I have seen people with wheelchairs struggle on their own to get them out of their cars. This is a exhausting thing to do, without the added journey to the supermarket doors.

I still think the disabled parking should be nearer, after all there's a lot of spaces they could use.

I notice no one from Sainsbury's is saying anything. I'd like them to respond to this letter and to all the people who are complaining.

Liz Bailey, Glen Parva.

In response to a letter in the Mercury, I would suggest anyone trying to obtain an E111 card do it online if you are able to.

Only go to the official NHS site though (www.nhs.uk) as other sites apparently make a charge of £10.

Some of my friends have been caught out and didn't realise you do not need to pay for them.

Janice Bailey, Syston.