LETTER:Hackney must face independent inquiry

From Mr David Phillips

Sir: Your articles "Hackney accused of harbouring job cheats" and "Rise and fall of man who set up the 'Untouchables' "(5 June), were misleading. As you admit, in recent years Hackney has been an example of effective local government in the inner city. That is certainly true of Hackney schools and Hackney teachers.

It is ironic that, on the same day, Julie Myerson announces to Independent readers ("Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? I am") that, when it comes to children's minds, she cannot condone manipulative horror stories. Why only children's minds ...?

Yours faithfully,

DAVID PHILLIPS

Chair of Education

London Borough of Hackney

London, E8

5 June