SIR – I am disgusted that the statue of Sir Winston Churchill (pictured) was defaced at the height of the student protests in London recently.

Those responsible should remember that Sir Winston fought very hard during the dark days of the Second World War to ensure the country remained free from the threat of oppression so that the students of today’s generation could have the freedom to progress and learn. Sadly this is how they repay him.

Sir Winston Churchill, whatever his politics, has surely earned respect and a place in history. It’s time these so-called students came to realise that.

R Halliday, Crag Road, Shipley