The column by MP Chris Loder was beyond disappointing.

Reflecting on the current social unrest and ongoing protests to the everyday racism experienced by very many, our MP chose to focus on law and order issues relating to a tiny number of the protestors (Riot Thugs Must Face Justice; June 11).

His passing remark that ‘black lives matter’ was immediately qualified with the comment ‘-because all lives matter’.

Is our MP unaware that the widely supported protests are rooted in the experience of BAME people whose health, education and job opportunities, among other things, have been less than those of non-BAME people in the UK?

Does MP Chris Loder think that opportunities in the UK are equal regardless of ethnic group and that nothing needs to be addressed?

His follow-on remark that all lives matter suggests he has completely missed this point and the essence of the demonstrations.

Does he believe that casual and institutional racism doesn’t exist in British society, or that it doesn’t matter enough to protest about? If there was no deeply entrenched racism there would be no protesters and let’s not forget they are huge in number. And there is data to support their claims.

I would hope that my MP would take a progressive stance on issues of social justice but sadly the best I can say is shame on you Chris Loder for your half-hearted and tone-deaf comments on the biggest issue of the day.

JEREMY NORTON
Stoke Abbott