Theresa May, some Christmas spirit wouldn't go amiss in the government, never mind the workplace

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The Prime Minister said that workplaces should feel free to celebrate Christmas (Rex)

Theresa May is right in the sense that we should be able to talk about Christmas at work. However, it is more than talking. Deeds speak louder than mere words. Theresa May would be better advised to use this Christmas occasion to espouse charitable causes that put the needs of the frail, the elderly, the impoverished, the homeless, the dispossessed and the downtrodden at the heart of health, social and economic policies.

The curtailment of social benefits, the undercutting of funding for universities, research and local councils have hit the poorest hardest. Many families, single mothers, the elderly and the disabled experience entrenched injustice, poverty and inequality just when the weather is most harsh.

Christmas is a joyous occasion for kindliness and humanity, for forgiveness, compassion and fairness and it is a time to reaffirm social cohesion and religious solidarity. These are the basic ingredients of a responsible society, a society with stronger families, stronger communities and a sturdy value system that can better navigate rough times. As Charlotte Carpenter eloquently put it: "He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree."

Munjed Farid Al Qutob London

The next Ukip leader?

I see we have a new candidate for the next Ukip leadership contest. To commence his audition, Eric Bristow has opened with a non-PC, get-it-sorted solution to abuse in football.

Robert Boston Kent

Trump is bringing back voodoo economics from the grave

It must be noted that President-elect Trump during his election campaign showed a hostile attitude towards the People's Republic of China. Doesn't he know that the PRC is holding almost $1.2 trillion in US bonds?

Mr Trump has announced plans to cuts taxes by trillions of dollars and massive spending programmes to upgrade infrastructure and the US military. Since the government's income will be reduced by his tax cuts, there will be a massive shortfall between income and the funds required for these programmes.

Further debt will be required to fund them and it appears Mr Trump is planning to reintroduce the voodoo economics of the early Regan era. Taking all things into account, is it wise for a debtor nation to kick its biggest lender in the shins?

George D Lewis Northamptonshire

Ed Balls is no working man’s hero

Those correspondents rushing to criticise Grace Dent for her judgment on Ed Balls should remember the distant elitism and privilege that helped lose him his position [as shadow chancellor].

A telling example of this occurred in 2012. Mr Balls attended a TUC conference in Brighton where Salford public sector worker Liz Cameron complained she had to miss meals and skimp on her children's school uniform. His response was that he would not put up public sector pay if elected.

Given his electoral failure, Labour voters obviously and understandably asked what do we need him for?

Those surprised and unsettled by the Corbyn Momentum phenomenon should remember the self-serving, careerist, pro-corporate stitch-ups that proceeded it.

Gavin Lewis Manchester