SIR – My parents came here in the 1960s in search of a brighter and better future for themselves after Britain had opened its doors to the Commonwealth.

It was this British imperialism influenced by the Queen and its expansion which helped thousands of immigrants to settle here and fulfil their dreams.

The initial plan for my parents was to return home, but things didn’t go to plan, of course, and roots began to grow as they began to settle into their new homeland.

They swore an oath of allegiance to the country by accepting citizenship through naturalisation and have been happy ever since.

The opportunities provided by the state and the protection given by Her Majesty over the years have been invaluable.

Every time we walk through a foreign airport the British passport commands respect.

My parents have always been grateful for the benefits they reaped and the feeling of security that they enjoyed, something they could never have imagined in the subcontinent.

I only wish that all immigrants, especially those from the Commonwealth, realise that the things that we take for granted today – the freedoms we demand and expect – came about because of Her Majesty the Queen and the State.

She has been our ambassador and our protecter, so I say to all those who say, “We have a freedom to choose whether to celebrate the jubilee” that you are quite right, but don’t forget who afforded that protection and that freedom to you in the first place.

COUNCILLOR JABBA RIAZ
Worcester