There is a direct correlation between immigration and the loss of places in technical education (Letters, 8 December). Go to any building site and many of the workers are immigrants. If we are not training plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters etc then of course builders are going to employ foreign workers. There is probably a connection with rising crime rates. If non-academic young people are not given skills for employment, it is hardly surprising if they turn to crime.
Val Spouge
Great Notley, Essex
• Further to Jill Wallis’s letter (8 December), my parents lived in a bungalow for over 20 years in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, and were avid readers of the Guardian, with my father a card-carrying member of the Labour party from the age of 23. My advice is to definitely stand for the local council, ensuring electors know exactly what you are standing for in regard to the council’s housing policies. Don’t give up. There are other “lefties” out there.
Jacqueline Angell
Letchworth Garden City, Hertforshire
• Fiona Bruce will not be the first woman to host Question Time (Report, 8 December). Sue Lawley performed that role from 1984 to 1987.
Martin Sibley
North Filham, Ivybridge, Devon
• Please let David Szalay know that he is also a reader’s writer (Interview, Review, 8th December).
Lucy Webster
London
• With referendums so much in vogue, when might we expect one on the monarchy?
Richard Ede
Liverpool
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