OK, so Britain’s history in slavery is far from one of our finest moments (HAS, Nov 11).

However, I am sure the people of Britain do not blame the present day population of Germany and Japan for the atrocities committed by their countries during the Second World War.

History cannot be changed but can be learned from – sometimes I doubt that, though.

A country can only try to make amends for past actions and I think Britain’s foreign aid budget does this to some extent.

I think, however, we should be very selective to who is chosen to receive the aid.

Mike Taylor, Darlington