Last updated 22:27, Saturday, 26 April 2008

Humans have evolved over millions of years and there is greater genetic diversity within the populations of Africa than between them and the populations of all the other continents.

Racial tension has so often been exacerbated by religious conflict – between Catholic and Protestant, Hindu and Muslim, Muslim and Christian – so religious extremists must accept some historical responsibility for the racism which we now see in society.

But we’re all on the same side in condemning the far right and its racist stance, so let us identify our common values here, and stand together to confront this evil.

Dr Christine Allen, Iain Paterson, Richard Speirs, Terry Greenwood, John Baines, David Boulton, Ian Breach, Sidney Clare, Jan Dunckley, Susan Falder, Toby Jackson, Jean Marston, Diana Martin, John Martin, Nona Murray, George O’Hara, Roy Pomfret, Dr Brian Scroggie, Marjorie Smith, Tim Strevens, Deirdre Tyson, John Upson, Norman Walker, George Weston, Irene Whitfield