Keeping your pecker up the English way | Brief letters

Rail travel in the UK | FirstGroup trains | English usage | Prevent strategy | Royal family

The Travel section on rail journeys in Europe (11 January) was interesting and informative. However, next time perhaps you could add a supplement on how to get to London by train for those of us who do not live near there, as this is often the most unreliable, time-consuming or expensive part of the journey. It is easier, and often cheaper, to fly from Liverpool to Madrid and start our train journey there; and, yes, we are aware of the environmental cost, but until train journeys in the UK improve radically it will remain the preferred option.
Kathleen Hooper
Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire

• So train operator FirstGroup wants to “ensure we reach the right outcome for the government, our shareholders and our customers” (Report, 8 January). Customers the last consideration then – says it all.
Pat Comery
Bridford, Devon

• Some years ago I was walking with an American friend (Letters, 11 January) when a neighbour stopped to chat, then on leaving called out a cheery “Keep your pecker up!” My American friend nearly choked, and asked “Did he really say that?”
Mabel Taylor
Knutsford, Cheshire

• Should we refer Doctor Who to the Prevent programme for promoting extremist views such as saving the planet (Report, 13 January)?
Prof Jonathan Parker
Bournemouth University

• The royals have watched too many episodes of The Crown on Netflix (Princes join Queen for crisis talks on future role of Sussexes, 13 January).
Dora Henry
Stratford-upon-Avon

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