Letter: Don't blame beggars for inner-city tensions
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.Sir: Your report on racial harassment in the west end of Newcastle upon Tyne (30 May) quite accurately presented an alarming picture that needs to be seriously addressed. Newcastle City Council will launch a comprehensive system for monitoring racial attacks and harassment shortly, as you noted. This initiative will expand a long-established system for monitoring racial incidents in schools, as well as a more recent mechanism for monitoring the housing field.
In response to information about racial harassment, the city council established a Racial Harassment Support Group about four years ago to extend practical assistance to people facing difficulties. The council has also made grant aid available to voluntary organisations working with the black communities.
As a local councillor, I am angry at the intolerable conditions that have been imposed upon pleasant and friendly people by thugs. I am angry, too, because the rise in racial tension flows directly from the multiple problems of crime, housing shortages and decay, and long-term unemployment that have blighted a series of previously stable communities. And I am angry when I see that the Prime Minister's only response to the effects of his Government's policies is one of sending for the police to hound a few
beggars.
Yours sincerely,
NIGEL TODD
Vice-chair, Racial Equality
Sub-Committee
Civic Centre
Newcastle upon Tyne
30 May
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments