In Newcastle city centre there are four witty and thought-provoking pavement plaques (Letters, 5 January), designed by the local artist Rupert Clamp, which honour fictitious everyday heroes. My favourite says: “Mrs Mary Howard adjusted her hat in the reflection in this window, 3rd June 1921”. No less brilliant is the plaque that recalls a disappointing day: “Anne Huxtable waited for a friend who did not arrive, 8th December 1952”.
Fred Robinson
Durham
• Donald Trump once again shows his crass ignorance in saying “We will always be there for Nato, even if they won’t be there for us” (Marco Rubio says he will meet Danish officials to discuss Greenland next week, 7 January). Nato’s article 5 (an attack on one is an attack on all) has been invoked only once – in defence of the US after 9/11.
Chris Ainsworth
Rossendale, Lancashire
• The next stage of Donald Trump’s campaign to shape US culture on anti-woke lines (The long read, 8 January) should surely be to mount an exhibition of “degenerate art” at the Smithsonian, similar to that held in Munich in 1937.
Dr Piers Brendon
Cambridge
• Your report on the annual CES tech show (9 January) mentioned fridges writing your shopping list and a robot that can fold laundry. When are we going to get a robot that can change a double duvet cover?
Rosamund Aubrey
St Ishmaels, Pembrokeshire
• Let me explain why I can stand Keir Starmer (Letters, 5 January): David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. QED.
Steve Lupton
Prestwich, Greater Manchester
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