THE Tory candidate for the Wyre Forest bemoans the lack of official celebrations next year for the 1801 of the Act of Union (Evening News, August 25).

Does his party ever learn anything from the history he is so keen to champion? Many Scots, Irish and Welsh would suggest there is little to celebrate.

Mark Simpson's historical memory seems rather selective. The Irish fought bitterly for years to extract themselves from the Union - a process still going on in Ulster today.

The Scots and Welsh suffered English-inspired policies such as the Highland Clearances and the suppression of the Welsh language.

In the 20th Century, they saw the loss of their main sources of employment, largely presided over by a Tory party contemptuous of anyone living outside the English shire counties.

They delivered their verdict at the last General Election.

Perhaps Mr Simpson might gain an idea of what the Act of Union meant to the non-English if he reflects upon the likely future status of Britain as a member of the European Union, given the sovereignty that his party gaily gave away in the various treaties. Is light dawning, Mr Simpson?

A REECE,

Ely Close,

Worcester.