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.

Jonathan Allen

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

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). However, I cheered up when I got to the bit where she finally got a response from Defra: ‘Lindisfarne is being considered as an HPMA because of its incredible biodiversity.’ This supposed argument for a ban should, in fact, be cited by the fishermen (who catch only lobster and crab): because if the waters have ‘incredible biodiversity’, this demonstrates that their activities since time immemorial have done nothing to harm what Defra calls ‘the biological community’ and their responsible practices may even be part of the reason for this abundance. QED.

Dominic Lawson

Dallington, East Sussex

Voices from home

Sir: I agree with Douglas Murray’s thoughts about the BBC (‘Repeat offender’, 17 December). There are also many legacy radio programmes which may exist in the dungeons but are not made available to download. One favourite of mine was Kipling’s History, a gripping reading by various voices of Rudyard Kipling’s English history poems. As expats, my wife and I are dependent on BBC radio for our link to the homeland. Our internet radio is permanently tuned to Radio 4 (Today, Desert Island Discs, The Archers etc). Thanks to an impenetrable decision by the BBC regarding internet protocols, our radio sets will soon no longer be able to receive live broadcasts. We can get BBC Sounds on computer or mobile phone, but it is a more cumbersome method. We have never been able to get certain programmes (notably Test Match Special) here due to ‘rights restrictions’. This represents a dismal failure by the BBC in negotiating contracts with the ECB, or whoever. It gets worse. Despite being licence holders (we retain a TV in our UK residence, which we visit on holiday), we are not able to view most TV programmes legally. The BBC has been removed from our local broadcasting services, apparently because of the cost. We would be happy to pay for individual programmes by subscription, but that option has never been offered.

Dr John Grabinar

Beersheba, Israel

Oxford traffic

Sir: The claims made by Rod Liddle about Oxford’s planned traffic filters (‘The march of the local council dictators’, 10 December) are simply not true. Residents will not be confined to one area of the city, nor will there be any roadblocks. Traffic filters are designed to reduce traffic levels across the city, making bus journeys quicker and walking and cycling safer. Everywhere will still be accessible by car, although some drivers may need to use a different route during the operating hours of the filters. Oxford residents will be able to apply for a permit to drive through the filters for up to 100 days per year. Residents in other parts of the county will be eligible for a permit to drive through the filters 25 times a year. Unlimited permits will be available for blue badge holders, health workers and care workers. People receiving frequent hospital treatments will also be eligible to drive through the filters, as will buses, coaches, taxis, vans, mopeds, motorbikes and HGVs.

Bill Cotton

Corporate director, Environment and Place

Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford

Boor on the floor

Sir: Roger Lewis’s review of a new book about Richard Harris is aptly headlined, based on my only encounter with the actor (‘Braggart and bully’, 17 December). In the early 1970s I played rugby at London Irish, where post-match sessions were held in the legendary Fitz’s Bar. On one occasion the actor was holding court at the bar bragging about how wonderful he was. There was a quick scuffle and he fell off his stool to the floor, where he remained unconscious until a minder carried him off into the night. The culprit/hero was the late Dr Ken Kennedy, hooker for club and Ireland, who didn’t have to buy a drink all night.

John H. Stephen

Gloucestershire