Letter: Race and the police

Sir: Stephen Lawrence's fine character and the fortitude of his remarkable parents make his murder all the more tragic and senseless.

Were his parents not so remarkable, had perhaps Stephen previously committed some mild misdemeanour, would we be so filled with shame and reforming zeal?

The ultimate racist affront is that black people must prove exceptional goodness before the nation recognises their simple right to equality.

DR JAMES HAWTHORNE

Crossgar, Co Down

The writer is a member of the Commission for Racial Equality, Northern Ireland