Boris Johnson could learn a thing or two from the Bible

Boris Johnson has enlisted Jesus in his vaccination drive. No one can object to this. However, if the prime minister is going to start referring to the Good Lord he might consider how far his own populist/nationalist agenda matches that of Jesus.

As per Luke chapter four, this involved bringing good news to the poor, release for captives, and letting the oppressed go free. In our own context this could well suggest: more adequate benefits for those in need, working more assiduously for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and a stronger commitment to overseas aid.

The Rev Andrew McLuskey

Middlesex

I found Mary Dejevsky’s article (‘Vladimir Putin has made clear to Joe Biden and Nato what he wants’, 23 December) important in highlighting Russia’s “fear” of Nato. Russia will never forget Nato’s 1990 expansion after the fall of the Soviet Union. Military “de-escalation on either side of the border” is vital to avoid a repeat of the annexation of Crimea. But Russia’s fear will always fuel this objective of westward expansion. While military presence may diminish, there will always be political influence in these Russian borders.

Harry Morris

Newcastle

I was at a meeting some years ago where the suggestion was put forward that mental health beds in the area should be reduced from 300 to 200. Speaking against this proposal, I said that the numbers of patients affected by schizophrenia and bipolar disease in the area could be obtained and their average hospitalisations could reasonably be calculated. Had this exercise been done, I asked? Needless to say the proposal went ahead.

Several years later my daughter, with bipolar, was held in an A&E ward for six days before an appropriate hospital bed could be found. It was hugely upsetting but so avoidable. Unless remedial action is taken by the government many other people, already suffering acutely, will have a similar experience.

Martin Cross

Southampton

As a long-time reader of The Independent, particular favourites have been the regular features written in the persona of a caricature capturing a moment in time (Bridget Jones, Cooper Brown, etc). I must say your latest may be the best yet. Geoffrey Brooking of Havant (‘Thanks, Boris’, Letters, 23 December) treating us to his regular paeans to the leadership skills of Boris Johnson has become a highlight of my week. Please pay “him” whatever it takes to stop him being poached.

Ken Burrell

Address supplied

I really enjoyed the letter from your reader, Geoffrey Brooking. The sarcasm was so subtle I thought, for a minute, he was being serious. Just brilliant.

Nigel Groom

Essex

Can I say thank you to Geoffrey Brooking from Hampshire for the best laugh I’ve had this year. His letter on Friday cheered up my Christmas Eve. As he had his tongue very firmly in his cheek, I hope he feels better soon.

Tony Burden

Banbury, Oxfordshire