Heed history’s lessons

WHY do people such as Afua Hirsch, who wants Nelson’s Column to be toppled (Mail), worry more about the past than the present?

Millions in Africa are starving and being forced out of their countries, despite long having had freedom from their colonialists, while corrupt leaders looted foreign aid.

Is this not as important to Ms Hirsch as the past, or are we, like Admiral Nelson, to turn a blind eye to what the despots, dictators and militias do today?

Yes, slavery must never be forgotten. The point of history books is that we should learn from history and not repeat our mistakes.

JAMES WIGNALL, Accrington, Lancs.