Jessica Elgot says Liz Truss compares herself to Barry Goldwater, the losing Republican in the 1964 US presidential election, and is attracted by his slogan, “In your heart, you know he’s right” (Liz Truss seems keen to make comeback, but is anyone else on board?, 5 February). The words that his opponents responded with are more apt here: “In your guts, you know he’s nuts!”
Katherine Jarman
Chichester
• Peter Grieve compares the end of Browning’s My Last Duchess to Delilah and asks why the poem should not also be banned (Letters, 6 February). The difference is that My Last Duchess isn’t sung by crowds of small children, following the words from big screens in the arena. I saw that at the Kia Oval a few years ago and raised it with the management; I’m hoping it’s not on the playlist next time I go.
Jane James
Worcester Park, London
• Peter Grieve is right. Poetic works should be judged in the same way as popular songs, and I look forward to a ban on mass recitation of Victorian poetry at future rugby matches.
John Tarpey
Manchester
• I have been helping someone prepare for the UK citizenship test. One practice question is: “True or false: there is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.” Could readers help me (and the home secretary et al) know what the correct response is?
Adam Moliver
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
• Rishi Sunak is creating a new department – for science, innovation and technology (SIT). Given the government’s record, science, history, innovation and technology is more appropriate.
Toby Wood
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
