I was pained to learn of the ejection of Ken Loach from the Labour party (Director Ken Loach says he has been expelled from Labour, 14 August). The octogenarian film director is admired worldwide. His courage is immense, his loyalty to working-class people unparalleled. His effectiveness in raising public awareness of social injustice and poverty over decades puts Keir Starmer’s 19-month impact on our politics into a harsh critical perspective. I became a Labour supporter in part because of Cathy Come Home (1966). I hope to live long enough to see Labour rue the day it made the completely bonkers decision to purge dedicated, principled socialists from its ranks.
Rosie Brocklehurst
Labour party press officer, 1984-87
• I can’t think of anyone else with such a long, fierce and impressive record of care for all parts of society as Ken Loach, whether on the plight of homeless people, the exploitation of migrant workers, or zero-hours contracts. Amazingly he, and his films, are accessible. He does not avoid pointing out uncomfortable truths. A poor world this if Labour throws this voice of conscience out.
Anil Bhatt
Sunderland
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