Boris Johnson seems to have lost his edge and should stick to the classical references he knows (Confusion over mugwump jibe, 28 April). As half of the 1960s band of that name went on to form the Mamas and the Papas and the other half to form the Lovin’ Spoonful, Mugwump is no kind of insult. “Mutton-headed”, on the other hand, could work, but ovine-based abuse is probably best avoided when the abuser himself has been said to bear more than a passing resemblance to a rather seedy old English sheepdog.
Mike Hine
Kingston upon Thames
• Why this push to test drivers over 70 every three years (Letters, 26 April)? The statistics clearly demonstrate that the most dangerous people on the road are in the 16-30 age group. May I suggest re-testing at 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 and only then not re-testing every subsequent three years if the driver has not had a serious accident in the full re-test period. The driver will have demonstrated responsibility and really earned the right to be in charge of several tons of dangerous metal.
Jan Wiczkowski
Prestwich, Greater Manchester
• Our grandchildren have no problems distinguishing between different sets of grandparents (Letters, passim). We’re Welsh so we’re called Nain and Taid. The other side are English and are Granny and Grandad. Two have great-grandparents and they are Babba and Dedda owing to Dedda being Serbian.
Judith Morgan
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
• Have you sent your north of England correspondent to Wales again? Your London-centric paper didn’t report on a fabulous event when a million people turned out to watch great athletes cycle through glorious scenery. All ages watched entertaining sport with good natured enthusiasm, a great community event. No cheating, no tantrums from over-paid managers – is that why you didn’t report on the Tour de Yorkshire?
Richard Webb
Penistone, South Yorkshire
• Just to say that Amazon’s Kindle is not the only e-reader (Letters, 2 May). Kobo is an admirable alternative and without the monopolistic restrictions of the other.
Rod Warrington
Chester
• I think Colston Hall should be renamed after a famous Bristolian (Letters, 1 May). Why not then call it Brenda of Bristol Hall (Brenda’s broadside, 19 April)?
Pavel Gregr
Lichfield, Staffordshire
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters
.jpg?w=600)
