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Your support makes all the difference.Ivan Humble must be applauded and thanked for his article on the way radicalisation works from the point of view of an individual.
With honesty, clarity and sharp analysis informed by insider experience, he spelt out the deep dangers, born of non-awareness, that may befall attempts at containing the spread of extremist views. Those who have to deal with this problem in a public or private capacity would do well to ponder the points he so lucidly made.
On a similar vein, we bemoan that the controversy surrounding Brexit has led to hate crimes of a political and, often, racial and religious nature. Perhaps it is more accurate to see Brexit as exposing rather than causing such thinking. And the remedy lies in eradicating the root as well as preventing the growth.
Rosa Wei-Ling Chang
Sheffield
Reflecting upon Lyra McKee’s death at Easter
The murder of Lyra McKee adds another poignant and unforgivable chapter in the Troubles that shaped Northern Ireland throughout its contemporary history. Nothing justifies taking the life of a talented journalist. It becomes more poignant when it comes at the time of Easter, a solemn occasion to triumph over adversity, to promote solidarity and to support those who endure suffering, persecution and the torment of grief among us, and to celebrate the lives of those who meet adversity with forgiveness and fortitude. This is another proof that a hard border in the wake of Brexit is bound to rekindle ancient animosities and separatism.
I must add that Easter is not just for Christians. Islam reveres Jesus and his mother Mary. Innumerable very historic churches still stand in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories as testament of harmonious coexistence. Jesus and Mary are revered as the greatest messengers to humankind. On this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to rise above our differences and stave off seething injustices that plague our world.
Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob
London NW2
All about me
However much we help others, we are mostly selfish, this being due to our natural instinct for self-preservation. With this in mind, perhaps demonstrators would have more effect if the logo was changed from “Save the Planet” to “Save Yourself”.
Angela Pettit
Maidens Green
‘Eco snowflakes’
I thought your headline “Extinction Rebellion: Police Accused of Brutality” was HILARIOUS!
If these snowflake “eco rebels” think being dragged along on their backsides is police brutality, they should experience the clubs, riot shields, tear gas and rubber bullets of the Special Patrol Group as used back in the Thatcher era. In fact, isn’t it about time the police stopped dancing and singing with them, got the old kit out of the stores and went in hard like the SPG used to, to clear these moronic Hooray Henries off the streets so law-abiding, tax-paying citizens could go about their jobs and business without intimidation and delay, and businesses could get back to earning the income this country so desperately needs?
Ian McNicholas
Ebbw Vale
Detecting a problem
[Following the news that there will be red plaques on listed buildings in the town where Midsomer Murders is set], the burghers of Thame should know that there are ways other than plaques to commemorate fictional detectives. Porto Empedocle (Sicily) – aka Vigata – has a street-level statue of its most famous son, Inspector Montalbano.
Paddy Benson
Leeds
Too middle of the road?
Rob Merrick asks what is stopping anti-Brexit parties forming an alliance. He explains how the European parliament election system penalises smaller parties. Conversely, an electoral pact (of Lib Dems, Greens and Change UK) would have not just resulted in more MEPs by adding their votes, it would have resulted in a significantly increased share of votes. It will be even worse if there is a snap election for the UK parliament: only a formal alliance would maximise the chances of holding the balance of power.
The explanation for the failed alliance seems to be that Change UK and the Greens have a “no alliance and no pacts” policy, but their standing in the election polls does not justify this. I have recently become a member of the Liberal Democrats but, when Caroline Lucas or Anna Soubry or Chuka Umunna speak, it is hard for me to tell the difference. Sectarianism may fatally damage the People’s Vote cause, as well as the chances of a strong centrist party.
Giuseppe Enrico Bignardi
Durham
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