THE Christmas speech by the Queen was bland, boring and annoying.

I accept the monarchy rather then describe myself as a monarchist.

The Queen seemed to suggest in her speech that those who take part in sport are superior to those of us who have no wish to take part in sport.

If people enjoy taking part in sport then I or anybody else would not wish to stop them.

The British do not require any assistance from the monarch or the establishment in order to be encouraged to take a great interest in sport.

Amongst the many problems that the nation faces today, sport should be the least of our concerns.

Peter J Brown, Middlesbrough.

THE Queen’s speech was shocking and, to my mind, not relevant to the majority of the people of this country. How out of touch is she with ordinary people?

There were plenty of topics she could have chosen: this is the worst winter for 100 years at a time when people’s money is being cut and bills are soaring.

People have lost their lives due to the bad weather as they did during the floods in Cumbria earlier this year.

More than 100 serviceman and women have lost their lives in Afghanistan this year alone – no mention of their bravery or a word of comfort for their families. Major cuts to the NHS, defence spending slashed, public sector workers facing redundancy – I could go on.

Where has this woman been for the past year – asleep?

Her voice was boring and monotonous – why are we still financially supporting a royal family when it is obvious they couldn’t give a damn about the lives and needs of the common person.

Helen Brewis, Tow Law.