Compassion shows Britain is still Great

Out of all the evils, both intentional and unintentional, that have been visited upon our nation in the past three months, we have witnessed the inherent goodness of our citizens as they have rallied around the victims of tragic incidents with generosity and compassion.

This reaction has to give heart to the whole country. It shows that, together, we can overcome traumas of the kind so recently experienced. And it shows that the spirit of true grit in the face of adversity is alive and well in our people, who rise to the occasion when emergencies threaten our everyday life.

We must applaud and support those who have shown that they care for their fellow human beings regardless of race, religion or colour. The selfless response of ordinary citizens to help those in distress shows that our country deserves to be called Great Britain.

This attitude proves there is still a reason to be proud of our humanity and it will help us, ultimately, to overcome those who do not have the interests of the people at heart. Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow