“Lobbying the government to stop selling arms to the Saudis would have a far greater impact than charity” (Ed Sheeran means well but this poverty porn has to stop, 6 December). Tell that to the mother of a starving child in Yemen. Of course activism is vital for a long-term solution, but her child is dying now.
Dan Willis
Gillingham, Kent
• Considering that in Northern Ireland 55% voted to remain in the EU, it beggars belief that the UK government is being held to ransom by a DUP that is advocating a minority Northern Ireland view (Report, 6 December). Maybe it is time for a referendum on whether or not Northern Ireland should stay in the UK.
George Healy
London
• Could not Mrs May demand the return of the £1bn bribe she paid the DUP for their support?
Susan Harvey
Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex
• Even though David Bowie covered his songs (as did Scott Walker and Marc Almond) (Shortcuts, G2, 6 December) Jacques Brel was not a Francophone pop singer. He was a Belgian chansonnier who sang in both French and Flemish.
David Mansell
Todmorden, Yorkshire
• Re the wall-to-wall cookery shows (Letters, 7 December), rock bottom is probably tastier than soggy bottom. Can I have the recipe please?
Jane Moth
Snettisham, Norfolk
• Visitors to the Chinese zoo should not have been surprised at its lack of animals (Five of the worst tourist spots, theguardian.com, 6 December). I believe China is the home of the shih tzu.
Steve Sheppardson
London
