Meddling in history

SIR – You report (September 17) that Glasgow University will be carrying out a programme of “reparative justice” as a result of benefiting from the slave trade.

One has to wonder where the line will be drawn. Will England pay reparations to Scotland for invading in the 12th century? Will the US be asked to pay reparations to Britain for declaring independence?

It is of course wise to learn from history. However, the trend for reviving historical blame is not helping anyone. If we look at some of the most effective movements for social change – from Mahatma Gandhi’s to Nelson Mandela’s – we find that they all started with letting go of the past and moving beyond ancient divisions. Roland Johnson

Stowe, Buckinghamshire