Pretenders’ carol

SIR – Our beleaguered Prime Minister switched on the Christmas lights in Downing Street to the accompaniment of children singing O come, all ye faithful.

The respected hymnologist Ian Bradley notes that the carol may have been an early rallying call for the “faithful” in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

It seems that Theresa May’s carol may likewise fall on deaf ears. She cannot anticipate a Silent Night any time soon. Rev Paul Needle

Rushden, Northamptonshire

SIR – Rather than considering the pensioners’ Christmas bonus worthless (Letters, December 5), my husband and I are very grateful. We have huge discussions as to which charities we will each donate it to. Faith Scott

Farnham, Surrey