I FEEL I must respond to the comments made by A Reece and D Margrett in the Evening News (Friday, September 8) with regard to the call for celebrations on the Anniversary of the Act of Union.

Once again it appears that it is quite acceptable for the Irish, Welsh and the Scots to be patriotic and celebrate anniversaries that are important historical milestones, yet when it is the English who attempt to do the same it causes a hysterical and often badly-argued outburst.

It does seem that any other nation can wrap themselves in their national flag and it is called patriotism, yet, when the English do the same, the charge of xenophobia is screamed from the rooftops.

I would remind D E Margrett that the provocation comes in many forms. Those of us that have witnessed, at first hand, the actions of some of the Republicans and Catholics of the six counties may well be justified in feeling that the provocation caused by celebrating the Act of Union pales into insignificance.

To A Reece I say this - the Scots and Welsh that you mention have been more than happy to be financially supported by the English over the past few hundred years, something that is still happening.

Just one final fact for both of your contributors. Mark Simpson - the Wyre Forest Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate - is a Scot.

STEVE CONWAY,

Kingsford Lane,

Wolverley,

Near Kidderminster.