Britain while ignoring our achievements?

proud of, rather than continually breast-beating about our ‘shameful’ past?

ROGER WALKER, Brixham, Devon. COMMENTS in the internal staff guide of the British Council, a body funded by the British taxpayer to promote Britain, were recently exposed by the Mail on Sunday. They are a disgrace.

To accuse our nation of having an appalling human rights record, comparable to those of countries such as Afghanistan and Libya, is unforgivable.

Boris Johnson promised a ‘bonfire of the quangos’. He may no longer be able to make good on this promise, but the

British Council would be a perfect candidate for burning. It has obviously forgotten the purpose of its existence.

IAN McNICHOLAS, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent. I WAS dismayed to hear Prince Charles adding his voice to the chorus of negativity about Britain by focusing on the slave trade and ignoring our great achievements.

The world has Britain to thank, in large part, for the Industrial Revolution that has lifted billions out of poverty over the past 200 years.

Our nation also made a greater contribution to the scientific revolution than any other country. Isaac Newton, Adam Smith, James Hutton, James Clerk Maxwell and Charles Darwin were among those whose researches benefited humanity. Nor should we forget that Britain made a moral choice and overcame powerful entrenched interests to suppress the Atlantic slave trade from 1807.

Britain also saved Europe from Napoleon Bonaparte, Kaiser Wilhelm II and Hitler. We have a great deal to be proud of.

OTTO INGLIS, Crossgates, Fife.