Let’s show each other respect at conference
WHEN the Conservatives were in Manchester two years ago there were reports of a Telegraph journalist being spat at, a delegate taunting protesters with a picture of Margaret Thatcher egged, and allegations of a Tory assaulting protesters.
More constructively one young man came out of the ‘ring of steel’ and spent a couple of hours talking with people at the bottom of the pile in one of the tented camps that homeless people used to be able to live in.
Like each other or not, the government is the government and people living here are unlikely to change their minds or have their minds changed by ‘Tories out’ posters and insulting confrontation.
I hope that respect is shown by and to all so we all (be we protesters or delegates) get something positive out of our meetings – more than just ‘feel-good indignation’ and a dialogue of the deaf. E. Denkmann, M15
I WRITE this letter having just listened to Jeremy Corbyn’s speech at his party’s conference, with the knowledge that it is likely to be read during my own party’s conference. I also know that the Conservative visitors to Manchester will be, as has happened before, greeted with abuse, shouts of indignation and even physical assault.
As a councillor I have friendships and good working relationships with my Labour colleagues, obviously such people are not inherent in Labour politics.
But why therefore should the left of Labour be so adamant in suggesting that anyone who has a Tory point of view, be fair game? Councillor Clive Patrick, Stalybridge South