Readers have been responding to US Vice-President JD Vance's comments about a 'mass invasion of migrants' in the UK, with one calling the remarks 'stupidity in politics'. Vance claimed that the stabbing death of Henry Nowak in Southampton was caused by such an invasion, while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that European civilisation is at risk from 'different ideologies' arriving on 'beaches'. A reader from South London argued that any group contains a mix of people, including criminals and the civilised, and that immigrants are no different. 'We really could do without such stupidity in politics – but how to avoid it is the problem,' they said.
Racism and Education
Rob Slater from Norfolk highlighted that while evidence shows non-white people face discrimination in Britain, a growing number of white people believe the opposite. He called for improved education to teach critical thinking and noted that people feeling hard done by makes it hard for them to accept they have advantages.
Belfast Attack Commentary
Julian Self from Wolverton criticised those who filmed a brutal knife attack in Belfast instead of helping, saying they sought 'likes and follows' on social media. He contrasted them with Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, who fought off the attacker with a hurling stick.
Football Commentary
A reader from South London praised the commentary of the 1966 World Cup Final re-run, saying Hugh Johns was far better than today's commentators who 'showboat their knowledge' instead of simply telling viewers who has the ball.
The 'Best Year Ever' Debate
JWA Caley from St Pancras dismissed the idea that 1996 was the 'best year ever', noting higher smoking rates, more road deaths, legalised homophobia, and the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence. He argued that nostalgia for the 'good old days' is nonsense and urged people not to believe their best years are behind them.
Big Tech Regulation
Julian from Orpington proposed banning harmful practices by Big Tech, such as non-neutral search, infinite scroll, and auto-play videos, rather than just banning social media for under-16s. He suggested treating platforms as publishers if their algorithms act as editors.
Elkie Brooks Shines
Simon Taylor-Carrington from Rochdale praised Elkie Brooks' energy and voice at a concert in Harrogate, sharing a dream where he met her dog named Pearl.
Nick Irwin from Battersea bid farewell to his friend Kevin, who 'lit up the room' – and has started a five-year sentence for arson.
