Sir,

Should Oliver Letwin really apologise for ‘giving offence’? Certainly where his comments were unfounded.he should admit it and withdraw them. But if drawing attention to problems apparently prominent in one ethnic group or another is never to be permitted because it ‘causes offence’ then the shutters have descended on debate and free speech. After all, the white population has had to endure the burden of accusations of racism for decades.

The contrast that he drew between the responses to poverty by the white working class over long periods of time, and some ethnic minority groups needs measured consideration, not suppression, more so because other ethnic groups experience similar material deprivation as without marked involvement in rioting. The notion that ‘bad housing’ is a cause of such behaviour is as absurd now as it was then.

‘Bad moral attitude’ is a censorious phrase for perceptions of values and of right and wrong. But we do need to look with an open mind at the causes of persistent high levels of crime and involvement in public disorder of any ethnic group.. Otherwise the prospect of solving problems will be the victim.

David Coleman