SIR – Congratulations to comedian Mark Thomas on getting an honorary degree at Bradford University for his effective campaigning on the ethics of the arms trade.

One of the most pernicious results of the arms trade, apart from the corruption involved of civil servants both here and abroad, is the waste of human and natural resources which could be devoted to improving people’s lives and well-being. We need more Mark Thomases!

David Somerville, Lilycroft Road, Bradford 9