Mick Ferrie News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

SIR – Peter Stanford is the latest columnist to describe the numerous woes of the Church of England (Features, March 31). Many readers will simply say to themselves: “What does it matter if the former leading religion in the country fades into oblivion?” A tour of the villages of England will provide an answer: in every part of the country, parish churches occupy a central position. Prior to the establishment of parish councils in 1894, the local church not only provided spiritual guidance to th

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 – The new five-point plan to control immigration (“Migrant curbs to cut arrivals by quarter”, report, December 5) is all very well, but why wait until the spring to implement it?

Plus: standing with Israel; NHS gridlock; policing shoplifting; the right trousers; low-cost rail schemes; and Henry V's reputation

SIR – Vladimir Putin has lost his strut, and now looks anxious and hunted.