You won’t solve problems with scenes like this
The scenes of extreme violence and damage caused in the name of Black Lives Matter have shocked and disgusted law-abiding citizens.
These activists have infiltrated the ranks of peaceful protesters and used the opportunity for nothing more than rioting.
They even defaced a monument to Winston Churchill and branded him a racist, despite the fact this man won the war and gave them freedom and the right to protest.
They now demand the removal of statues of figures associated with slavery in any way. This should not be allowed to happen. Indeed, where will it end? Will they demand the demolition of all Catholic churches because of their involvement in the Crusades, or Protestant churches because of the Reformation? We should never attempt to erase history, because through it we learn, and mistakes of the past can be avoided.
N. Wight, Liverpool
History cannot be eradicated or rewritten, but where terrible injustices have been done, these should not be celebrated.
Perhaps what may be happening to Edward Colston’s statue – being displayed in Bristol Museum along with an honest account of his life, work and legacy to the city – could be the way forward. The Black Lives Matter protest and footage of the statue being removed and rolled into the harbour should also be shown, as that too is now an important part of Bristol’s history and reflects contemporary values and attitudes. Diane Silva, Bournemouth
Calls to remove the Cecil Rhodes statue in Oxford are ridiculous.
Should the Rhodes Scholarship also be abolished, despite the inspiration and help it provides to overseas postgraduates?
Statues throughout the world commemorate men and women who have given back to society. They are part of that country’s history – for good or bad.
They may offend some, but most people with a sense of history will understand that what happened 100 or even 50 years ago is in the past and does not apply now. Leave our statues alone.
Caroline West, Swansea
Unfortunately, slavery is part of the heritage of many countries.
We can’t change what happened, but removing these reminders is akin to denying that the Holocaust happened. Dennis Haslam, Barnsley
I don’t see Egypt tearing down its pyramids, and some claim they were built by slaves. Bernie Smith, Hornchurch
Of course we are all disgusted by the police behaviour in America, and understand the need to show solidarity. But I watched in horror as the protests over the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis escalated into violence, with police officers injured.
Our granddaughter joined the Metropolitan Police last year and loves her job. She’s been doing well, too, already having been presented with an award by the Commissioner. Our police are there for our protection and to uphold the laws of this country. It is not an easy job. They deserve our support and our respect. S. Martin,
East Preston, West Sussex
The protests supporting Black Lives Matter were taken over by the usual rent-a-mob. They feel safe in a crowd to shout abuse, hurl missiles and climb on cars and statues. Some of them might not have even known who George Floyd was. Chris Sharp, Leeds
Police dogs and horses help officers to prevent and fight crime and to secure convictions.
Sadly, it is not unusual to read reports of them being seriously injured or killed, or having to be put down as a result of injuries suffered during their duties.
Understandably, there is much concern among the public about animal welfare generally, but this issue hits at the very heart of compassion for animals and our responsibility to those we put in harm’s way for the benefit of society. My husband, a firefighter, was present when two IRA bombs killed 11 soldiers and seven horses in July 1982.
We must strive to protect all members of the policing family: dogs and their handlers, horses and their riders, officers, staff and volunteers. Hannah Bryan, Liverpool
Why don’t the police just not show up at protests that are likely to turn violent? The protesters would then have to throw things at each other to keep themselves amused.
No officers injured, no protesters injured by police and no animals running scared. Result! Sue Jeffries, Walsall
Of course the black communities have a legitimate argument about how their ancestors were treated until William Wilberforce put an end to slavery, but what also needs to be understood is that white British people at the time were treated hardly any better.
The factories were operated by men, women and children working long, hard hours for virtually no pay, and many would end up in grotesque workhouses.
Housing was also inadequate and early death widespread. Tony Thompson,
Banbury