The week that Britain kowtowed to China

How to kowtow? Gilly Yarrow, Peng Liyuan, Prince Andrew, Chinese president Xi Jinping and the lord mayor of London, Alan Yarrow, pose for photographers during the lord mayor’s banquet at the Guildhall. Photograph: Ben Pruchnie/Getty

Far from being “mind full, heart empty”, compassion and acceptance are central to all schools of mindfulness (I’d rather live life to the full than be mindful, 21 October). Was Mr Dakers not paying attention when these essential components of mindful practice were being taught?
Hannah and Mick Collins
Norwich

• After observing the British establishment’s deferential behaviour during the visit of Xi Jinping (Report, 21 October), I now fully understand what the Chinese word kowtow really means.
Stan Labovitch
Windsor, Berkshire

• Thanks for telling us which was Joan Leslie in the photo of her with James Cagney (Obituary, 20 October). We’d never have guessed.
Richard Wood
Toddington, Bedfordshire

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