3 December 2003

Yasmin’s honour

Sir: Yasmin Alibhai-Brown has got it completely wrong (”Why I have decided to give back my gong” 1 December). It was former Prime Minister John Major who made it possible for ”ordinary” people who had made a special contribution to society to get these honours. It has nothing to do with what Britain has done in the past or what Tony Blair is doing at present. Like Yasmin, I came to this country from East Africa and most of us who came have prospered and we have great respect for the institutions of this country, including the monarchy. What will Yasmin do next-leave the country? Those of us who are of Indian origin do not share Yasmin’s many grievances with the people of this country and its institutions.

NITIN MEHTA MBE
Croydon