Older MPS benefit from being tied up

SIR – MPS and peers over 50 should look in the mirror before appearing tieless in the House. Ties might be old-fashioned, but the price of being on trend for the rest of us is a view of rows of scrawny turkey necks. Even a cowardly cravat would be better. Philip Hirst

Ashton-under-lyne, Lancashire

SIR – I hope my former colleagues in the parliamentary press gallery resist the example of the Lib Dems.

During my 42 years as a lobby correspondent I always wore a tie and a sober suit. It was to show respect and indicate political impartiality.

The only occasion I blundered was when I arrived at the Sunday Express, to take up the authorship of the “Crossbencher” column, to be informed that John Junor, the editor, disapproved of red ties.

However, I carried a spare, along with an extra notebook, and duly passed the Fleet Street tie inspection. David Rose

Richmond, Surrey

SIR – We only have to look to the great arbiter of gentlemen’s attire.

Jeeves: “Your tie, Sir.”

Wooster: “Oh! Jeeves what do ties matter at a time like this?”

Jeeves: “There is no time when ties do not matter, Sir.” Bryan Oates

London SW18