Steel was the one nationalisation to which the Conservatives objected after the war, and they reversed it in 1953. But they did not vote against this latest bill. No one did. Everyone in parliament has now conceded the principle, which, if it applies to steel, applies to all the others. Just take it back. Just take them all back. Public ownership is British ownership; it safeguards the union. Let them have the word “British” in their names again, and let that be meaningful. There was no rescue package for Grangemouth or for Port Talbot. In more than one sense, there is heavy rebuilding to be done.
David Lindsay, County Durham
Church matters
As a Christian I feel compelled to point out the fact that Christianity is in fact growing in England and Wales where there has been an increase in regular attendees from 8% to 12% of adult population between 2018 and 2024 with the main increase being the 18- to 24-year-olds who are more spiritually open to God.
In Peterborough, as in many other towns and cities, the churches support the vulnerable in the city by providing food banks, social hubs and free furniture (Care Zone) for those who’ve recently moved into social housing. Plus the local rough sleeping charity, Light Project Peterborough, is renowned for its support and help for the homeless connecting with the local council and NHS agencies.
Jess Watson, Peterborough
Ceaselessly into the past
Thank you for the article on The Great Gatsby. It is truly a magical wonder. I taught high school for 36 years and I never tired of trying to impart the novel’s magic and wonder to my students. I am certain that they got it. How could they not through the beauty and power of Fitzgerald’s words? “He must have looked up at an unfamiliar sky through frightening leaves and shivered as he realized what a grotesque thing a rose is.” Indeed. We have all been there.
Gwendolyn Fuller
Cross-connection
Every week, my dad and I do the cryptic crossword remotely. We live within 90 mins of each other, so we see each other plenty – it’s just nice to have this extra connection when we’re apart.
This one is complete – promise!
Jade Atkins
Dude awakening
Speaking as a man (a dude, a guy, a bloke, if you will), I would suggest that a sound strategy to tackling the manosphere is to point out how toxic masculinity (not necessarily by that name) harms men as well. And make common cause with men who aren’t toxic macho hatemongering bigots and are exhausted by everyday pressure to BE A REAL MAN. (Which can include other things besides standard tropes, like “a real man talks about all his emotions all the time”.)
@Otakukeith, Instagram
The kids are alright
What a splendid cover by Ashton, aged 10 – makes me feel there is hope for the world yet!
Penny Clear, aged 87
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