• FOLLOWING the anti-racist demonstrations, and the removal of the statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol, we have heard much from government ministers about “order and democracy” and the demonstrators “should expect to account their actions”.

While such views are directed towards those who are taking a stand against racism, it should be noted that they are missing in relation to the cover-up by government of the vital 2017 report: Exercise Cygnus, which made important and vital recommendations aimed at preparing for a pandemic.

Cygnus was marked “official – sensitive” and kept away from public scrutiny, while government deprived our services of millions of pounds in austerity measures. Was this acting in accordance with “order and democracy”? No! Should we make government account for their actions? Yes!

DOT GIBSON,
N5