Letter: Let's put the UK back in Unesco

Sir: As members of the newly formed Forum for UN Renewal, we urge our government to take immediate steps to rejoin Unesco. It is now 10 years since the UK left this important UN specialist agency.

Whatever the reasons at the time for leaving, they are no longer valid. Under the leadership of Dr Federico Mayor, Unesco has not only reformed itself, but also continues to play a vital role in the fields of education, science, art, culture and environmental protection.

It is 50 years since Clement Attlee, Rab Butler and Julian Huxley played such important roles in the creation of Unesco. Today it is ridiculous that Britain should be on the outside, instead of playing a positive role from within.

Yours faithfully,

Bruce Kent, Chair, Forum for UN Renewal; Louise Zanre, Pax Christi; Janet Bloomfield, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Ian Linden, Catholic Institute for International Relations; Michael Irwin, United Nations Association

Forum for UN Renewal

London, N7

4 December