Letters: The vileness of Richard Harris

Three kings

Sir: In his analysis of British politics over the past 12 months (‘A year is a long time in politics’, 17 December), James Forsyth named 2022 as ‘the year of the three British prime ministers’. Some interesting comparisons were drawn with Prussia’s year of the three emperors in 1888. Two alternative choices slightly closer to home could have been illustrated through the dramatic consequences of the two years when England saw three kings. In both 1066 and 1483 the monarchy changed three times, ushering in profound political upheaval with lengthy repercussions.

Perhaps in the long view, and contrary to Whig interpretations of history, 2022 was not so exceptional after all. It could however carry a warning to politicians that a desire to engineer rapid changes of leadership often results in dynastic change.

Dr Peter Watson

Blackhill, Co. Durham

On productivity

Sir: James Forsyth finished his article on 2022 in politics by writing that ‘how to fix the productivity problem is one of the biggest questions in British politics’. My view from the cheap seats is a feeling that politics has been mugged by a lazy focus on the low-hanging fruit of captive markets. It appears so much easier to retain political power with a lax attitude to parking charges and allowing new house builds than by manufacturing ourselves towards greater self-reliance and making sure that infrastructure works everywhere, not just in the most bounteous orchards. Productivity is as much about questioning the status quo as having the drive to build. It appears to be a game for professionals, not chancers.

Behold biodiversity!

Sir: Mary Wakefield’s account of Defra’s plans to make Lindisfarne a Highly Protected Marine Fishing Area – and thereby destroy the livelihood of its fishermen – was simultaneously enraging and depressing (‘The greatest threat to Holy Island since the Vikings’, 17 December).