Sir – Not being a native of Oxfordshire,but someone who has visited the city regularly for a number of years now for leisure, festivals and debates, I am intrigued to read the ongoing debate regarding the statue of Cecil Rhodes at Oriel College and whether it should stay or not.

Being a person of left wing views, many people would imagine that I would be inclined to see it go, but what would the benefit be of that decision?

We can’t forget history, and what Cecil Rhodes may or may not have done, but the removal of his statue will not erase the misery and suffering that he caused.

Maybe people should look at his statue like I do and think what can be done to prevent what he did ever happening again.

Mark Webb
Swindon