Political alternatives not much better than govt

My friends Mark and Martin Webb are quite right to highlight Boris Johnson's failings and call for him to go.

Unfortunately neither offers a reasonable alternative for a replacement.

Of course they can nominate Keir Starmer, but frankly I think most people can see that the Labour Party has a talent deficiency, which suggests that they would not be much better than the incumbent administration.

Des Morgan

Caraway Drive

Prime Minister not much of a premier

There are too many incidents over the last few weeks to explain the dysfunctional state of the Government led by Boris Johnson.

As was said the other day, Boris Johnson is less like a successful statesman and more like a school boy on work experience who is failing miserably.

Barry Green

Green Party member

By email

A listening ear for the bereaved at Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching, and after last year, this year more than ever we will want to be around our loved ones and celebrate the festive season with them.

However, for those who are at the end of life, caring for someone who is terminally ill or coping with a bereavement, Christmas can be a difficult time of year.

Over the past year and a half, millions of people will have been bereaved, making the festive season very hard.

There will also be more than one million people across the UK, who will be caring for someone with a terminal illness and they could be having their last Christmas together.

For many people who find themselves in these situations; struggling to cope with the pressures of this holiday, feeling isolated and alone or who may have been bereaved, Marie Curie will be on hand to provide support or a listening ear.

Marie Curie trained Support Line Officers can provide practical information on everything from managing day-to-day with a terminal illness, to planning for end of life.

Our support line can offer emotional support if someone needs a safe space to talk, or some guidance based on their situation.

We have a dedicated bereavement service where callers will be paired with a volunteer, who can offer a listening ear and support over six sessions, as well as Check-in and Chat, a service that offers regular calls at a time that suits you.

If your readers have been affected by dying, death and bereavement and need support over Christmas and New Year, then please encourage them to contact Marie Curie for free on 0800 090 2309.

Alternatively, visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online or to find out other ways we can support you.

Matt Williams

Marie Curie Head of Information and Support