Letter: We blame the social workers

From Mr Stephen Briggs

Sir: Your front-page headline on the West case today (23 November) "Failures that put social services in the dock" signals by implication that social services were to blame in some way. You chose not to use a headline more consistent with the report, and the facts of the case, such as "MP calls for hotline to help abuse victims".

It seems to be the policy of your paper to portray social services and social workers in a negative light, irrespective of their knowledge or powers to act. Can I therefore suggest the following as suitable future headlines for the continuing emotional crisis of the Royal Family: "Diana slashes wrists - social workers to blame", and "Charles admits adultery - social workers failed to stop it".

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Briggs

Blofield, Norwich