The honours system is based on a strange definition of public service

SIR – As usual, New Year honours have been given to time-serving, well-paid, politicians and civil servants whom no one has heard of before, while those who selflessly provide true public service are ignored.

The whole system is deeply flawed and should be abolished (but after my knighthood, please). Sandy Pratt

Storrington, West Sussex SIR – I unsuccessfully applied for something for my mother, hoping that she would gain some recognition for more than 30 years’ service as a chairman of governors for a primary school in a deprived area, despite having no personal links to the school and not being in good health. The application process is long-winded and, we are advised, takes 12 to 18 months. There is no notification if the application has been unsuccessful.

I contrast this to the tranche of MPS, civil servants and celebrities who seem to have been awarded for simply doing their job. When will the selfcongratulatory awards be separated from those that are truly deserved? Helen Roberts

High Peak, Derbyshire SIR – Sir Barry Gibb’s contribution to popular music surpasses that of every other contemporary British recording artist. No other songwriter has produced or collaborated on as many million-selling songs covering pop, rock, dance, soul and country genres.

My faith in the much-derided honours system has been restored. Philip Duly

Haslemere, Surrey SIR – Why hasn’t John Rutter been knighted? Dr Michael Barley

Hove, East Sussex SIR – Although your cartoonist suggests, perhaps rightly, that Nigel Farage’s omission from the honours list is a snub (December 30), his admirers will breathe a sigh of relief. A politician of principle and courage has little place in the establishment, and his political achievements eclipse those of the latest recipients. Chris Scott

Netherne-on-the-hill, Surrey SIR – I am fascinated by the hypocrisy of Nick Clegg. He has written on Twitter: “The knighthood does not mean I will serve in the House of Lords. My aversion to unelected Legislatures remains.”

However, he continues to campaign to prevent Brexit, and for Britain to remain in the EU – which remains under the control of the (unelected) European Commission. Not for the first time, he seems to be favouring two opposing principles at once. Rob Divall

East Haddon, Northamptonshire SIR – Why are the New Year honours announced on December 30 instead of January 1? Surely they aren’t New Year honours now. Matty Thacker

Solihull