Letter published in The Herald, Plymouth 16th May 2007 regarding the refusal by the organisers to allow CND to have a float in the Lord Mayor's Parade. The decision was subsequently reversed.

Dear Sir

I am appalled that an organisation can be banned from having a float at the Lord Mayor's Day Parade because it is deemed 'too political' (May 7). The attitude that politics is in some way 'difficult' and should not be allowed into everyday life is deeply corrosive and undermines the very basis of our society. Is it any wonder people feel disengaged from politicians when groups with a political message are prevented from expressing their point of view?

The Lord Mayor's Parade should be a celebration of all the diverse aspects of life in our great city - and that should include all political organisations, of whatever colour. The organisers may not like one particular group's message, but rather than banning all political groups they should seek to encourage more diverse groups to take part.

A Labour Party float promoting the need for a Trident replacement to keep the dockyard open would make a nice juxtaposition to a CND float; perhaps a Lib-Dem float should be placed between them!

ROGER CREAGH-OSBORNE

Landulph