For the last six decades the Queen has observed her duty to remain above politics while at the same time taking a lively interest in both current events and in the future of the country. Prime ministers have found the advantage of serving such a constitutional monarch was that when they could confide in no one else, they could confide in Elizabeth II.

The fact that Theresa May has been unable to tell her more than she has the public about her road map to Britain’s place outside the EU raises the likelihood she doesn’t have one. Her Majesty’s reported concern about “deer caught in headlights” adds to fears over the leaked memo describing an enervating sense of drift among senior Brexit officials.

John Cameron

St Andrews

Apparently the Queen is “disappointed” because Theresa May won’t share her “Brexit strategy” with her. She shouldn’t fret. The truth is that Theresa May doesn’t actually have a “Brexit strategy” to share.

Sasha Simic

London

European Union 2.0

The Brexit timeframe of which you write (Editorial, 23 December) gives ample scope for innovative scheming. This is the time for people and politicians of good sense and goodwill all across Europe, including the UK, to start to forge an EU 2.0 – the first foundation stone of which needs to be a truly democratic European Federation, which can then create legitimate and enduring political and economic union.

Steve Ford

Haydon Bridge

An obvious candidate

I’m surprised John Rentoul has overlooked the obvious choice as Labour candidate for Copeland – Tony Blair. Having represented a northern working class constituency rather successfully in the past, Copeland should be no problem. Also, the limited life of the constituency until boundary changes in three years time would give ample time for Mr Blair to stop Brexit, scupper Corbyn and return Labour to election-winning ways.

Chris Norris

Wiltshire

Pressure on the press

There’s no way that this Tory government will alienate its allies in the press by bringing forward more draconian press regulation. On the few occasions when IPSO has found newspapers are at fault, the papers were obliged to print retractions – usually on page 36 in small type – when the offending article had two-inch headlines on the Front Page. We need a regulator with TEETH.

Jamie Register

London

A Christmas message

As we celebrate Christmas, it is time to reflect on the significance of this occasion. Christmas is more than twinkling of lights on windows, Turkey dinners or wrapped gifts under the tree. Christmas is a message of tolerance, openness, acceptance, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing and renewed hope. It is a time to remember selfless policemen, armed forces, aid workers and medical volunteers who work in perilous times at great personal risk and those who laid down their lives for their countries and the wretched, the persecuted, the infirm and the downtrodden. Jesus Christ was persecuted and tortured but never sought revenge and violence. This is the message of divine religions; a light that will eventually shine through the darkness that will never overcome it.

Munjed Farid al-Qutob