Dave Alsop News Today

SIR – As I predicted, successful actors, musicians, sports stars and political party supporters have predominated among the upper echelons of the King’s New Year Honours. Elsewhere, less well-known members of the public, who have worked selflessly with no thought for their own benefit, will be restricted to lesser awards.

SIR – You report (December 11) concern on the part of the British Medical Association and other medical organisations that a “blurring of the roles” of physician associates – who have no formal medical training – and fully qualified doctors could contribute to “a dangerous ambiguity in patient care”.

Plus: devolution gone awry; exorbitant allotments; supporting local butchers; and listening to football at the opera

SIR – Last year I paid British Gas £378 monthly by direct debit, and the cost of my energy consumption over three months was £577.

SIR – I used to be a country GP.

SIR – I read with interest your report and letters (December 28) on the amount of customers’ money that energy companies are hoarding.

(CNN) – Relief is still days away for passengers who made reservations at Southwest Airlines this week, as the embattled airline continues to struggle

SIR – I am appalled that the Autumn Statement will give councils leave to increase council tax above the current limit of 2.

SIR – Encouraging as it is to see greater diversity in some ways in the new Cabinet (report, September 7), there is a clear impression of a lack of cognitive diversity, as Liz Truss has chosen to surround herself with like-minded friends and allies.

SIR – How come we, the water companies’ customers, have to do all the work of scrimping and saving water?