As politicians fall over themselves to condemn solidarity marches that coincide with Armistice Day, it is worth remembering that those who served did so to defend the right to peaceful protest (Pro-Palestine rallies aren’t ‘hate marches’ – they’re an expression of solidarity, helplessness and frustration, 6 November). That right is a cornerstone of democracy. We should be alarmed when our elected representatives try to undermine that right. As a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I can think of no better time than this weekend to march for peace. Civilians on all sides deserve to have someone who cares enough about their plight to protest for peace.
Dave Wilcock
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
• A couple of weeks ago I decided that if the Saturday demonstrations calling for an end to the killing in Gaza and Israel continued, I would go to London on 11 November, because of the symbolism of that date. I shall not be doing so as a sign of support for Hamas, a violent and despicable organisation, but because I have been deeply affected by the scenes of death and devastation in the news. I shall be marching for a small boy, surrounded by siblings, standing in the ruins of his neighbourhood whose cry, “We’ve done nothing wrong”, has so much more power and honesty than UK politicians who seek to divide us with their claims that the marches are “hate‑filled” or “disrespectful”.
Les Bright
Exeter, Devon
