If our young politicians’ statements are not twisted, and taken calmly in their true sense and spirit, our progress can continue ­unhindered, and the mainland will also be benefited.

Both sides can truly progress with Hong Kong as a Special ­Administrative Region of the ­People’s Republic of China. There could be more options offered, with all players allowed to express their views fully and discuss issues peacefully. I hope Mr Wood’s reasonable request will be understood and considered.

A. L. Nanik, Tsim Sha Tsui

Can West get Saudi prince to discuss Yemen?

Pounding Yemen with bombs has not driven the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels out. ­Instead, the country’s fragile infrastructure has crumbled. Ordinary Yemenis are protesting against the Houthi occupation.

The crown prince, the Saudi defence minister, is a young man of 32 years. He is in a hurry. However, haste makes waste and wars do not always solve all problems.

The Yemen imbroglio is in its third year and, like all armed struggles, can only be resolved through a diplomatic solution.

Perhaps the US, UK or France could take the lead in enabling the negotiations? For this they will win goodwill across the globe. The peacemakers are always blessed.

Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai

Kids should not suffer effects of alcohol abuse

Reports of domestic violence perpetrated by parents have sadly become all too common these days in our city. Hong Kong parents need to work long hours and also take care of their children. This causes them a lot of stress.

Drinking may be one way to relax and forget their problems for a while, but children should not have to bear the brunt if parents cannot hold their alcohol.

Children are not items to vent one’s anger on. They are their parents’ responsibility, but not their property. Their lives are their own.

Amelia Sin, Kwai Chung

Science brains face language barrier in city

In Hong Kong, pupils must excel at both languages and technological subjects to clear the hurdles to university. But many who are good in science or ICT (information and communications technology) may fail to attain the minimum cut-off, because they perform badly in language and communication skills.

The minimum requirement for such students may be lowered to basic communication and language skills, to avoid science talent from being filtered out. This would help increase the number of research specialists in the city, and the future development of our technological edge.

Zoe Chung, Po Lam

E-cigarettes and the question of informed choice

I agree that e-cigarettes should be regulated and sale or distribution to minors made illegal. The same applies to heated tobacco products such as IQOS.

That said, instead of just publicising the negative impacts of new tobacco or nicotine-delivery products, many overseas authorities – including in the US but especially in the UK – do acknowledge the potential positive effects to public health if smokers can switch from combustible cigarettes to these products.

While people smoke for nicotine, they in fact die from tar and other harmful chemicals produced when a cigarette is burnt. Innovations are in place to solve the latter and, quit or switch, adult smokers should be properly informed to make their own choice.

Yes, these new products are still harmful and underage uptake is a concern. But one should not ­demonise them just because they bear the word “cigarette” or ­“tobacco” in their name, or cherry-pick studies and reports that stress only one side of the story.

Zhang Li Hua, Kwun Tong