As a Mancunian proud of the city’s history and achievements I was saddened on 30 May to discover not only that I have had an unwanted and unelected mayor imposed upon me at the behest of a Conservative chancellor of the exchequer, but also that the (once Manchester) Guardian did not even see fit to report the fact, never mind comment on such a stitch-up by politicians of all parties.
Colin Burke
Manchester
• Should not Scottish cities like Glasgow be permitted to partake in the northern powerhouse scheme (Report, 14 May) should they so desire?
John Barstow
Pulborough, West Sussex
• Timothy Garton Ash (Opinion, 1 June) draws attention to the changing political landscape in China and the complex challenges this poses for the west. Last Saturday the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding celebrated its 50th anniversary with a symposium attended by the Chinese ambassador and representatives from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. There were lively presentations and responses from the 150 people present, earning coverage in the Chinese press – but none here.
Richard Poxton
Twickenham, Middlesex
• I regularly visit Flanders in Belgium and there it is mandatory to keep a dog under control, on a lead, at all times in public areas. This has resulted in the virtual elimination of serious dog attacks (Report, 29 May), at least in the public domain.
Stephen McBride
Largs, North Ayrshire
• The education secretary, Nicky Morgan, is vehement in her condemnation of the edict that purports to prevent parents from driving their children to school (Ban on women drivers by Jewish sect is unacceptable, says education secretary, 30 May). I trust that she will show at least as much support for the Bike to School Week (1-5 June) organised by Sustrans. In general we should be encouraging parents and children out of cars, not into them.
Toby Wood
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
