I’m moved to write my first ever letter to the Shuttle after watching last evening’s television news. We were again subjected to reports the shortcomings of other countries and international sporting agencies in terms of their lack of justice and their pursuit of wealth, status and power through corrupt and morally destitute practises. Tonight this was juxtaposed with the doubtful publication of Mr. Cameron’s retirement honours list. I asked myself, is this use/misuse of power any different?

The scale might be different but the principle seems the same. It suggests that, “I, as retiring principal politician, can dispense, as a whim, benefits to those I deem as having helped me and mine.” How about the benefits transmitted to society? Shouldn’t this be the real motive for offering honours on behalf of the country and by HM the Queen. How sad for Her Majesty to have to collude with such a dodgy part of what should be a meaningful national award, and how denigrating for those deserving, giving citizens who in the past, present and future merit public award for their special contribution to society.

Corruption , it seems, is still alive and well as always, in Downing Street!

Ralph Williams, Kidderminster