'The dangers of misinformation' - Your Letters: January 30

After the riots following the Southport killings, Keir Starmer made much of the spreading of misinformation and the danger this poses. Those responsible for such activity were dealt with swiftly and given hefty sentences and Mr Starmer appeared on our screens to trumpet his government’s emphatic response.

I wonder if Mr Starmer isn’t guilty of the same offence when he decided to demonise those he refers to as, ‘loners’ and ‘misfits’. He wants us to think of such people as potential terrorists. 

This is nothing new of course. History shows many examples of people, perceived as ‘outsiders’ ‘loners’ and ‘misfits’ being burned as witches, attacked and generally terrorised for being ‘different’.

How many vigilantes, self righteous prigs, and downright trouble makers will be galvanised into riotous and criminal action following Mr Starmer’s crass and inflammatory remarks?

Alan Jones, Halesowen

GIVE US HELP TO PROTECT CHILDREN

The NSPCC aims to help children and young people here in the West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire and to protect them from abuse and neglect.

But we rely on public fundraisers for the majority of our funding.

We know every single person’s contribution counts.

So this year, the NSPCC has launched the Partners In Business initiative, which means even the smallest businesses – from gardeners and florists to a ‘man with a van’ or a dog walker – can help us make a difference.

By signing up to raise vital funds, either with a one-off event or a full 12 months of challenges, you'll help us bring a local focus to national campaigns and ensure we can do all we can to support children and young people across the wider West Midlands region.

Raising £50 could help practitioners support a family for two hours, £500 could fund 22 hours of support via the NSPCC Helpline.

While £4,800 could recruit, train and support three new Childline volunteers to speak directly to young people in their darkest hours.

Businesses will receive fundraising advice and support from experts within the NSPCC, who will make sure organised fundraising activities are fun, inclusive and successful.

They’ll also receive regular updates on the charity’s work in the region, evidence of the impact of their efforts, and access to an online hub where they can download fundraising resources and assets to show their support as an NSPCC Partner In Business.

To find out more about Partners In Business go to nspcc.org.uk/support-us/partner-with-us/partners-business

Anita Hill, NSPCC West Midlands

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