Letter: British democracy inspires the world
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr David Wardrop
Sir: It is clear that Andrew Marr got pretty fed up at the "Britain in the World" conference. For good reason it seems, reading Michael Sheridan's sketch report ("Foreign Office makes sure it has the last word", 30 March).
Accepting that the conference's agenda targeted diplomatic and trade matters, Britain's contribution in the fields of science, education, culture, the social sciences and communications were given short shrift. And yet they make up as much of our international image as the targeted matters. Since Britain walked out of Unesco nearly 10 years ago, leaving to our incredulous Commonwealth and European partners the task of reforming the agency, our specialists and professionals in these fields have been travelling second class. All in the name of the long-dead Cold War. Where once they were delegates with votes, now they must plead to be heard. How can the few parliamentarians who support this self-imposed exile deny our brightest minds their proper place in international forums?
The Government has tried to provide alternative services to justify its action. Ten years on, our scientific and academic communities have given that decision a conclusive thumbs down. As the UN has designated 1995 as the International Year for Tolerance and has deputed Unesco to co-ordinate it, the task of planning a UK programme has had to be taken up by a network of concerned voluntary organisations. Simply put, we are being forgotten in so many arenas, and it is all our own fault.
Now, as we approach the 50th anniversary of Unesco's creation here in Britain, let's work to re-empower British scientists, educators, social scientists and communicators among their peers.
Yours faithfully,
DAVID WARDROP
United Nations Association
London, W1
30 March
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments