A recent pro-Palestine demonstration in Manchester and growing concern over imprisoned activists on hunger strike have sparked intense debate in the Guardian's letters pages, highlighting issues of political indifference and media silence.
Outcry Over Treatment of Palestine Action Activists
One reader, Jane Kremer from Lisburn, County Antrim, responded strongly to an editorial published on 19 December. The piece broke the silence on the Palestine Action hunger strikers currently held on remand in British prisons. Kremer described the activists' willingness to risk death for their principles as admirable, but condemned the media blackout and political indifference surrounding their case as "abhorrent and scary."
She expressed shame at Britain's response to the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, while applauding the efforts of the Filton 24 activists for raising awareness of the UK's role in international arms trading.
Seasonal Warnings and Life's Transitions
The letters also covered lighter, yet pointed, topics. Cornelia Allan from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, wrote in regarding a Country Diary entry on mistletoe from 20 December. While finding it informative, she noted a crucial omission: the plant's berries are poisonous to humans, a fact not mentioned despite advice on propagating them by squashing the berries.
In a humorous take on personal evolution, Keith Nieland of Oakley, Buckinghamshire, reassured readers that life exists beyond the Honda Jazz. After owning five of the cars, he has moved to a Honda e:NY1 Elegance, entering what he calls the "self-righteous stage" of silently cruising past petrol stations.
The Art of the Casual Response
The correspondence concluded with reflections on daily greetings. Sarah Carter from Canterbury revealed her standard reply to "How are you?" is simply "Medium". Meanwhile, 88-year-old Joyce Blackledge from Formby, Merseyside, opts for the triumphant "I'm still here!"
The collective letters, featuring the Manchester rally photograph from 20 December 2025 by Gary Roberts, present a snapshot of public concern ranging from international justice and environmental safety to the quirks of modern life.
