7 JUNE 2003, Page 33

Rod and the P-word

From Mr Simon Evans

Sir: I am appalled by the tone of Rod Liddle's piece (They love to hate us', 31 May) and the use of the word `pikey. which is, as you and he should know, equivalent to 'nigger'.

The word Gypsy should also have an upper case 'G', as recommended by the CRE guidelines. Gypsies are a recognised ethnic minority and therefore should be allowed the same courtesy as any other race, i.e. Jewish, Italian, British, etc.

Simon Evans Producer, Romany Voices, BBC South East, Kent