THE un-named commentator (HAS May 7) raises some interesting points about Britain’s role in slavery.

During the 16th Century, the English Crown stole Irish wealth and carried out concerted attacks to make the Irish accept Henry VIII’s Surrender and Regrant program.

During the 17th Century, England’s Royal family (via such as the East India Company) became a major player in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Given the wealth, land, etc stolen from the Irish, is the root of Britain’s wealth really slavery or stolen Irish wealth?

Only the ignorant, bigoted and racist collectively blame the majority for the wrongs of the few. This same applies to those who blame all white’s for atrocities such as slavery, colonialism, genocide, war, etc. Especially since these have existed on every corner of this planet long before any European involvement began.

We’re told to be ashamed of our history, culture, etc. But told by those who benefit the most from the very society they condemn. Often told by those whose family directly or either indirectly benefitted from atrocities against black or Irish people etc., over which the majority had no power to either prevent or stop. but told to further an agenda or ease their own guilt.

H Smith, Spennymoor