I AM not much of a football fan but I was glad that the England versus France match went ahead on Tuesday night.

After the appalling events in Paris it is clear that the agenda of those behind the terror is to create fear and panic in order to make people afraid of going on with daily life. They also want to create suspicion, hatred and division in communities. These are things that we must guard against.

I hope that readers will agree we must continue to work together across communities to tackle problems that we face. Islamic State supporters do not speak for the vast majority of Muslims. Racism and Islamophobia cannot be allowed to speak for non-Muslims. The vast majority of people of all backgrounds just want to live in tolerance and peace.

We need to unite against violence, bigotry and hatred of all kinds. It may not be easy but concerted efforts need to be made to find out how it is that some alienated young people can become drawn to ideologies that are based on violence and hate.

The French principles of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are powerful ones that date back to the French Revolution, they may not have all the answers, but they are principles that can continue to inspire us all.

Joan Pritchard-Jones

Deane

Bolton