ADAM Walker’s quibble about the meaning of racism leads to the absurd conclusion that discrimination or hostility towards others on the basis of race or colour is not racism unless it is accompanied by a belief in the superiority of one’s own race (HAS, May 20).

The BNP doctrine of “racial separatism” and Ian Moore’s theory that there are too many black or Asian people in this country (HAS, also May 20), must inevitably provoke hostility and discrimination. The BNP’s objective is to remove as many non-whites as possible. This is racism, whether it is based on a belief in the superiority of the white race or not.

I acknowledge that there are problems with the ghettoisation of some immigrant communities. The problem is exacerbated by economic factors and by the BNP’s own hateful propaganda, but it is not, as Mr Moore thinks, the consequence of minority populations exceeding five per cent.

Birmingham has an ethnic minority population of 30 per cent, but a recent survey showed that most residents are happy with the city’s multi-ethnic identity, socialise regularly with friends of other ethnic groups, and regard race relations as good. Incidentally, Britain’s population overall is 92 per cent white.

Pete Winstanley, Durham.