If, as seems likely, a new national anthem debate is about to open (Tim Dowling, 11 December), here’s a suggestion. I’m sure many readers recall the Birds Eye Steakhouse Grills advert starting, to the tune of Que Sera, Sera, “Will it be chips or jacket spuds?” It’s a stirring song, and the closing line, “I hope it’s chips, it’s chips”, expresses a sentiment that we can all get behind.
Nigel Steel
London
• If rats like music, as Alys Fowler says (There are rats in my attic. Should I live and let live?, 12 December), then perhaps the way to rid her loft of rodents is to put a speaker up there and play loud Christmas muzak non-stop for the next few weeks. They will soon pack their bags and leave.
Maggie Johnston
St Albans
• The melody is lightweight, but O Little Town of Bethlehem surely has the best first verse of any Christmas carol (Letters, 11 December). It’s mysterious, almost cinematic and poetically atmospheric. No other popular carol has a verse to touch it.
Paul McGilchrist
Cromer, Norfolk
• Gaby Hinsliff tells us that certain Tory backbenchers are lobbying for Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage to lead their party as a “dream ticket” (Nigel Farage to swap the jungle for the Tory party? At this point, why not let him at it, 11 December). More of a nightmare ticket, I think.
Helene Grygar
Bampton, Oxfordshire
• Zoe Williams asks “Why are the Tories intent on ruining Christmas?” (11 December). Perhaps it’s simply because that’s all that’s left to ruin.
Peter Occleston
Penicuik, Midlothian
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