On Monday 12 December MPs will be discussing a petition to close shops on Boxing Day. Boxing Day is an integral part of Christmas and time for chilling out with families and friends. It is imperative that parliament provides the time for this through legislation – for the benefit of retail workers and society at large. It would also be good for retailers as more goods would be bought prior to a two-day Christmas break. In Germany they more correctly refer to 26 December 26 as Second Christmas Day.
John Barstow
Member, Usdaw executive council
• The Guardian asked readers “to tell us about the state of the UK probation services” and on 9 December some of the responses were published. I would like to thank you for giving voice to the seemingly unattended cries of staff struggling in “transforming rehabilitation”.
Gordon Jackson
London Colney, Hertfordshire
• I find the hand-wringing over false news (Letters, 12 December) amusing given that millions are colluding in the false news that Father Christmas exists. Ho ho ho.
Kevin Meethan
Plymouth
• Gaby Hinsliff asks “What can you buy the average 87-year-old?” (I’ve scaled the summit of peak stuff, 9 December). I’m 87 on 18 December and would like a motorcycle with electric start, please.
Bob Bishop
Stockport
• Ian Jack, one of my favourites of your contributors, refers to “rail-holders” (10 December). The correct term is “chairs”; a more accurate and poetic term.
Dave crook
Birmingham
• Perhaps Theresa May wanted to show Nicky Morgan who really wears the trousers (The wronged trousers, 10 December).
Rev Dr Peter Phillips
Swansea
• A bumblebee has been feeding on our winter-flowering clematis for the fifth day in succession this week, even with two nights of frost. A hardy native or an immigrant from Northern Europe?
Ralph Gordon
Romford, Essex
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
