A more interlinked UK will enable Belfast to become a very credible transatlantic port and thus the UK can take its place as a pivotal trading partner in ­between the transatlantic route and the New Silk Road route.

The integrity of the UK in political, economic and social terms demands a physical ­interconnection.

John Barstow, Pulborough, West Sussex, England

Release from subdivided flats a priority

The proposed shipping container/prefab solution is not meant to be a housing “option for the disadvantaged”.

It is seen by those who are advocating it as the quickest way to get hapless tenants out of their ­subdivided flats, as these places can only be described as hellholes.

These people are not in a ­position to be able to help themselves, and I think they would agree that the converted container homes are a better option than the present substandard accommodation they are ­having to endure.

The container homes can be made safe and comfortable. Sites will not be difficult to find within walking distance of the ends of MTR lines, with a ­travelling allowance paid to the tenants.

This debate has dragged on now for more than six months.

Peter Lok, Chai Wan

Innovation sector needs more support

At the centre, artificial intelligence will help to determine whether damaged parts of an aircraft need to be replaced or repaired.

It is good to see this project launched, because there has been frequent criticism of inadequate government support in Hong Kong for the creative and innovation sector, and the lack of available talent.

This new research centre at PolyU is a big step forward.

It shows that, with the right ­support, Hong Kong can make great strides in the innovation industry.

I am sure there are many ­local youngsters who have the required innovative ability and, with ­encouragement and the right kind of training, can do really well in the area of ­research and development.

Some already have suitable qualifications, but if the jobs are not there they will go elsewhere, including joining those planning an ­innovation start-up.

I have read reports and blogs online, where these people talk about their frustrations trying to get things done in Hong Kong and electing instead to move overseas or cross the border to the mainland.

The city will become less competitive if it cannot develop its innovation sector.

There is an urgent need to promote the importance of creative and scientific research among teens and young adults.

Tiffany Lau Wing-chin, Yau Yat Chuen

Pupils must work at finding time to relax

Some parents have called on the government to introduce a seven-hour cap on the time children spend every day on studies.

The aim is to ease the pressure many pupils feel from overwork, with some of them suffering from depression and, in extreme cases, resorting to suicide.

I think you can see a link ­between the increased rate of student suicides and the high-pressure education system.

Especially in the upper forms of secondary school, there is fierce competition as youngsters ­battle to get a coveted place at a local university.

Often, if their workload is too heavy, they do not have enough time to rest and this can lead to high levels of stress.

What is important is for youngsters to try to find better learning outcomes. They need to work out their own timetable so that they can make time to ­relax. In this way they can help to reduce pressure.

Kathy Li, Po Lam

Using private hospitals cuts overcrowding

I am pleased that the government is hiring more part-time private doctors to work temporarily in public hospitals and help ease overcrowding, especially in the accident and emergency departments.

Overcrowding gets particularly acute during the ­holidays and winter flu peak ­period. During such times, A&E wards can be filled to capacity with ­patients in beds which block corridors, ­because there is just no room for them anywhere else.

I believe it makes much more sense to continue to send non-urgent cases to ­private hospitals.

Queenie Li, Kwai Chung

Look at reason behind vocal anthem protest

I think Hongkongers, such as soccer fans, who have chosen to boo the national anthem should be entitled to do so.

Protests against anthems have also taken place recently in the US, with football players kneeling rather than standing when The Star-Spangled Banner is played.

Critics of such protests say Hongkongers should show respect for the Chinese national ­anthem, but why should they?

Many local citizens hate the country’s Communist Party and its stubborn, unyielding attitude towards Hong Kong.

They argue that “one country, two systems” is dead.

That level of resentment will only get worse if people are threatened with punishment, including jail, for outward ­displays of disrespect.

The party’s leaders are paranoid. Just look at the elaborate and tight security for the visit of President Xi Jinping. The queen did not need that much security when she visited Hong Kong during the colonial period.

Unless the central government changes its attitude, many Hongkongers will continue to resent Beijing and keep fighting to protect the freedom of speech in the city.

Leo Tse, Yau Tong

Street art can dispel views of cultural desert

In October, the French undercover artist Invader heavily ­criticised officials for removing his work from locations around Hong Kong.

It certainly seems to me that the government regards developing the economy as a priority over nurturing the arts, despite the establishment of the West ­Kowloon Cultural District.

Hong Kong as a city needs to learn to accept art in our daily lives and this should include street art such as graffiti.

Tsang Ka-yee, Tseung Kwan O