I AGREE totally with Pete Winstanley when he stated that a successful multicultural society is held together by shared values and common laws (HAS, Aug 20).
Where we differ, though, is my belief that the theory of his statement doesn't work in practice.
If we were all united by these shared values then why in most cities across Great Britain are communities divided on racial/religious grounds?
He is also correct when he points out that the practices of forced marriages, "honour" killings, etc, are illegal in this country. But the fact that these practices are occurring within many ethnic communities on a daily basis all over Britain proves that the "common laws" Mr Winstanley speaks of are being blatantly disregarded.
It seems that, to create a truly successful multicultural society, many bridges of understanding are needed. I just wonder who will have to pay for these bridges to be built?
Who has to build the bridges and who will have to walk over these bridges? In every case I dare say it will be the indigenous population.
Carl Whelpdale, Spennymoor, Co Durham.
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