Today, 16/02/2013 In today’s programme

We have moved from blunderbusses to snipers' rifles. In the Cold War we had Herman Kahn's ladder of escalation where wiser counsels could prevail; where the launch of an attack could be delayed until the last minute and even later. In today's world the imperative is fire first and fire them all or lose them. In short, he who fires first wins and wins decisively. Just look at the CEP of Trident D5 (not the C4 version) and of the MX missile. Look at how many warheads each missile carries and their MIRV delivery. Who would believe the words of the winner claiming that they had intelligence that the other side was going to attack? The other side would be too busy burying their dead and fighting for food to worry about making any political denial.

We are in more danger today from nuclear weapons than we were at any time during the Cold War and you in the media have let the situation develop without comment. Complacent hardly describes it, does it?

I could say a lot more, but what would be the point? This will be spiked as just another anti-nuclear rant.

Mel Tisdale

While I admire the Today programme for breaking such stories the law of unintended consequences now kicks in.

The assumption that all whistle blowers are acting from the best motives - “protecting patients” – is simply naïve (although I am not suggesting that this is the case with Mr. Walker). Some will do so in revenge or self-justification.

NHS staff, including doctors and senior managers, do not always behave or perform well and, as responsible employers, Trusts have a legitimate responsibility to take appropriate action.

Tom Goodfellow

Jaqueline Du Pre's version certainly has been the definitive version of the Elgar Cello concerto for nearly 50 years - although it was a highly personalised interpretation. She has effectively seen off any other interpretations over that period.

It is high time for a newcomer to have a go. The lady on your clip sounded very good. But Jaqueline Du Pre also had a fantastic advantage in her 1960s recording with Barbirolli. On the other side of the record, was Janet Baker, singing Elgar's six Sea Pictures. And I don't think one can ask for more.