Cameron has completely misinterpreted what Mr Mercer said. Did he even bother to look at the context or verify what what was said? I guess not as he was far too precipitous. He could have actually used this to have a wider debate and have made something out of it as opposed to sticking the knife into one of his own and into a man who clearly isn't racist. Have you seen what his soldiers said about his time as an army boss - he was clearly adored and admired by all of them? Major mistake on Cameron's part - and he needs people like Mercer who have actually lived in the real world by his side.

Jane Rickards, London, UK

I am appalled by the chain of events that has come about in this case. To begin with, Patrick Mercer's comments were not racist but were a mere hearsay conjecture. Nor is Patrick Mercer himself racist. There are only two question that remains relevant: would a reasonable person find those comments racist in view of all circumstances existent at the time and would the person to whom these comments were directed actually find these comments racist in the circumstances existent at the time. In both instances, answer is a big NO. I am very very scared that trial by media on the hoofs of fear and stoked prejudice has finally arrived where common sense is the first casualty.
Rgds
A "member of the ethnic minority" (as classified by the so-called elite of this country)

An ethnic minority, UK,

While referring to another person race does not necessarily make one racist, I would expect that a gentleman of Mr Mercer's standing would know better than to use such language or even make such sweeping generalizations.

Mr Mercer has paid the price for his shameless naivety. Kudos, Cameron for the decisive stand.

Mr Mercer's statements - however realistic they may be - are unacceptable by any standards and may very well be interpreted as evidence: that the Brittish Army is institutionally racist; that the good number of capable minority officers are mere tokens to equality; that British society is plagued by closet racism.

Osei K Agyeman-Buahin, London,

If Mr Merecer had said that he'd come a cross a lot of MPs who were idle and useless and frequently absent from House of Commons debates because they were out wining and dining, and fraternising with their bits on the side, would he be expected to remain on the frontbench?

I guess not.

Well done David Cameron!

Tony Adams, Lincolnshire,

If Mr Mercer had said that he'd come across a lot of politicians who were idle and useless and frequently missing from Commons debate because they were out wining, dinining and fraternising with their bit on the side, would he have expected to remain onthe frontbench?

Tony Adams, Lincolnshire,

Natalie, Herts : He didn’t say that ALL the black people he came across were idle & lazy. He said that some were (almost certainly correct, just as it is for some white people) and that they were protected from criticism and action by hiding behind the shield of a ‘racism’ claim (again almost certainly correct in today’s PC environment). This occurs wherever a charge of an’-ism’ can be levelled. There are many hopeless women in jobs way beyond them but to sack them would involve a claim of sexism. Far from all women are in this position but some are (I need only point to several of the government’s ministers to show some women totally out of their depth). The culture of victimhood that has been cultivated in this country over the last couple of decades has made it highly lucrative to level a claim of racism, sexism or any other ‘ism’, however unjustified that claim is. The news, as part of the story, also showed various black soldiers singing his praises. It appears that he is genuinel

Bob Finbow, Haverhill, England

So if an aggressor calls a soldier some racist name or insult, he falls apart does he? I admire people who fight for their country because they are brave and tough, we don't want cissies who fall apart at the slightest insult.

Christine ter Meulen, Hayes, England

I think the problem is Mr Mercer seems to have gone the extra mile to convince that real racism does not exist within the forces. There is sense of cynisism about racism in the examples he had cited. It is very difficult to judge whether it is percieved racism or the real stuff without a proper investigation.

Holding high office as Mr Mercer did, he surely had a greater responsiblity to err on the side of caution in relation to allegations of racism rather than maintaining the 'old fashioned' army-type spontaneous responses to a real problem that exist in our society. Such remarks have a tendency to erode public confidence, thus Mr Caneron's decision appears to sound on this occasion.

Barry, Leeds, UK

Just what did Mr Mercer say which was racist? This seems to me a matter of spin against someone who stated what is uncomfortable but true: some people play the race card.

What next? Sack anyone who say that some people who steal are criminals? Some benefit claimants are idle? Some NuLab spokespersons are spinning bastards?

Robin Willis, London,

It seems to be the case nowadays that speaking about coloured people in any way is instantly condemned as 'racism'. The problem is actually reverse racism where white people cannot say a word about any other race / minority without being shot down in flames . What is needed is a common sense approach with all groups being treated fairly and indiscriminately.

David Woodhouse, Lowestoft, UK

My issue isn't with the black bastard comment.My issue is that he labelled all the black people he came across as 'idle' and 'lazy'.

For all the PC talk e.t.c, this just goes to show that Britain is a 'closet racist society'. We pretend that we are tolerant but we are not an accepting nation. Things get said behind closed doors and then occassionally slip out by mistake.
Terms such as 'idle' and 'lazy' have been stuck to black people since the slave trade.
In the past month, we have seen reports of black children not being taught well at school, a glass ceiling at interviews for black graduates and then when they do get a job lack of promotion.

A policeman is able to beat up a black woman and get away with it( god knows what goes on without CCTV cameras to record things). I am not proposing that all officers are like this a majority a good people.

Yet, as a white person going abroad, we get treated as kings and queens and are accepted.

Natalie, Herts, Herts

When a person joins the armed services they should be aware that they are unlikely to be wrapped in tissue paper and tucked up in bed for the sergeant major to read them a story until they nod off to sleep.
Life in the sevices will not be the place for delicate, sensitive souls who take offence at having insults thrown at them. It's a place where people are toughened up and taught to deal with incidents where live ordanance is thrown at them. Please let's get everything into proper perspective.

Rick, London, England

Congratulations on your Times exculsive that forced him out. We the voting public do not want our MP's telling us about reality, we do not want to hear about what goes on in the rough and tough outside world, it's very distressing.

Vote Labourtive if you love this hunny bunny world.

Sweet dreams everyone.

Ives, Big Rock Candy Mountain,

I am black, negro, if that will make those awful PC types uncomfortable and, in the context in which those comments were made I simply cannot see what Mercer has said that warrants his dismissal from the Conservative front bench. The comments are not offensive at all and were very prejudicially assessed by the UK’s almost wholly left-of-centre media. Rather the events thereafter have again confirmed my suspicion that David Cameron believes in nothing in particular, cannot make the fine distinctions necessary for inspired political decisions and can only win an election if Brown is the opponent.

t'Oluwa, Lagos, Nigeria

I hope Al-Qaeda or Taleban don't impugn their manhood, parentage, or ethnic pride or we could be faced with a rout of the British Army. Obviously the days of men at war are over and it is now scouting with Akela.

I do hope the Taleban aren't beastly to those poor young waifs

Observer, Peterborough, England

Here is another example of a politcian being punished for once daring to tell it like it is, as opposed to the manufactured rubbish they usually come out with. The man spent many years in the army, surely he has the right to comment on what life is like in it, even on the prickly subject of racism. He was hardly being racist anyway, just realistic. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth when you hear that the career of a half-decent politician had been ruined by a few comments about the realities of life in the army for ethnic minorties.

Combe, Bristol,

If Mr Mercer, who knows the Army, says this about Army life, it is very likely to be true - however unpalatable it is. If our politicians do not allow each other to tell the truth, why on earth do they expect the rest of us to believe them?

David Jones, London, UK

About 50 years ago there was an Indian oficer serving as an Assistant Flight Deck Officer ( he was a pilot ) on board one of the RN's Aircraft Carriers who, while ranging aircraft, was sometimes heard to shout "Push you white bastards push". No one turned a hair- but that was before P.C. . Anyway he was a good guy and consequently liked.

Peter Davis, Reading., Berks.

What a shame that the Tories seem to believe more in being seen to be "PC" than providing a credible alternative to New Labour on meaningful issues.

After this latest fiasco, they have just handed the BNP another chunk of valuable votes which they themselves desperately need to dislodge the present incumbents of Downing Street.

With knee-jerk reactions like this which fly in the face of the moderate values of their traditional voter base, we may well be witnessing the death throes of of what once was a trusted alternative to the Looney Left!

Al, Newbury, Berks

Mr Mercer is telling how the ARMY is set up, surely they should look into this issue, rather than him getting the sack.

John, London,

typical kneejerk reaction , shoot the messenger for telling the truth

wally, preston,

Please correct if my paraphrasing is wrong:

Mercer said: 'You are no more likely to get stick in the Army for being black than you are for being ginger, for having big ears or for having dodgy teeth'

Mercer did not say: 'People get stick in the Army for being black and that's alright'

Mercer said: 'Some black soldiers fabricate or exaggerate racist abuse to cover or justify bad behaviour'

Mercer did not say: 'All or most black soldiers fabricate or exaggerate racist abuse to cover or justify bad behaviour. It is an inherent characteristic of black men to do so. All claims of racist abuse are unfounded.'

I understand why David Cameron is keen to minimise the association of the words 'Conservative' and 'racist'. This goal is most effectively pursued by unequivocal condemnation. It is not well served by the reasoned, dispassionate and nuanced analysis deserved by Mercer and needed for anti-racist argument to remain credible to those most susceptible to the far-right.

Simon Brookes, Southampton,

What a shame that Cameron didn't wait a while. Several of the black men who served under Mr Mercer have spoken up for him. Now come on....if the people concerned don't object what right do we or Cameron have? Political correctness has gone barmy and is supressing the truth which I think Mr Mercer undoubtedly told. More fool the Tory party for rolling over.

judy, liverpool, england

The mania against so-called "racism" goes on. Speaking truth is no longer acceptable if that truth contravenes the fantastical creations of the "anti-racism" cult.

Sad.

Yet can the cult endure if its survival depends upon the suppression of contrary ideas? For now, yes. But not forever.

The end is in sight. As ever more draconian laws are passed to limit freedom of action, speech and thought, so the end draws closer. The laws and extreme actions against those who dessent from the cult are themselves representative of the growing resistance. They are only necessary because of the strength of that resistance. Yet all the laws passed and all the careers shattered cannot forever sustain the unsustainable.

Sanity will return to the lands darkened with alien tread, with a swiftness that is as yet unforeseeable by the cultists.

Watch, and remember.

Pete Jackson, Norwich,

The private, personal views of individuals, as to what is thought acceptable is one thing. It is however, quite another matter, what is acceptable in public life; whether in the Army, or in Government and thus in a political party, or elsewhere.

In 1967 a soldier in the Royal Corps of Signals refused to obey an order from an NCO; declaring to the NCO who had ordered him, that he would not take orders from a black man. As a young Corporal I witnessed the occurrence and immediately had the disobedient soldier committed to the garrison guardroom (the gaol). The following day the soldier was given 14 detention by the Regiment's Commanding Officer. (As a point of information that commanding officer in his later career held the office of Master of the Royals in the rank of Major General).

Racist attitude was not acceptable in 1967 and should not be now. Private barrack room banter is wholly a different. It is right that Mr Mercer should be sacked.

Regards,
Hubert Taylor

Hubert Taylor, Birmingham, England

What a lot of nonsense about nothing, these politically correct nutters need to go out and live among the real people. The bastard bit is the only insult, which is even used among friends in England, and not generally considered an insult. When I moved from Scotland where "Bastard" was fighting talk, I had a few run ins with people(friends) who called me that, until I realised it was not meant.
When I worked in Gibraltar, I was referred to as a Scots ***** anything that fitted at the time, we all used this banter without offence. What do people think Blacks and Asians refer to whites as?
There are too many politically correct women and softies in positions of power mapping the lives of the rest.
The other thing is that we do not want softy soldiers, "if ye cannae take the heat get oot o' the kitchen"
Bet that stirs some ****(dust)
Dave in Spain

David Madley, Alicante, Spain

I abhor racism, but nothing Mercer said (if what is quoted is all that he said) could be construed, by any stretch of the imagination, as racist. What about the references (made by others, by the way) to 'Red bastard' and 'Fat bastard'? Should he be fired for quoting those?
I'm living testament to his remark that some lazy people make a fetish of playing the race card, because it worked every time. I can't tell you how often in my working life I've had to carry their weight as well as my own, because I worked for a world-famous company whose managers were ham-strung, by the constant threat of bad publicity, from attempting to impose discipline.

Andrew, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

What a typical politically correct, knee jerk reaction. He also points out that soldiers are often called 'fat bastard' or 'ginger bastard', and admits that redheads can expect an even harder time in the army than black people.

It would seem that all discriminatory comments are unacceptable, but some are more unacceptable than others. I wonder if he'd have lost his job for offending ginger people? Somehow, I doubt it.

Steve Vanes, Halesowen, England

What can you say now? colour,creed, race, religion, size and shape are not PC there is not much left to describe someone, I am sure in a dangerous situation you don't mind what you are called if it saves your life. I have travelled the world and been called many names and taken them all with a smile.

Nick Prevett, Camberley, England

Ah the PC Brigade in full flight, the hounds have the scent! How unfortunate that the refreshing whiff of a salty honesty is driven off by those with thin skins & large chips (rather than epaulets) on their shoulders. Do us a favour Cameron & show some real metal - hold to a true British Way & not some trumped up threadbare caricature...play the man? or not; as the case may be.

Simon Ferguson, Llanelli,

i have always voted conservative, but i now question if i will vote for them again, this doubt has been caused by the actions of David Cameron, i am of the opinion that if Patrick Mercer an ex soldier and top politiciaon, cannot voice his opinion on an observation that he knows is true, he simply spoke out about what he had observed.it's not as if he called anyone a black bastard,

For the tory leader to jump so promptly on the political correctness bandwagon by sacking him was in my opinion wrong, it's one of the problems with this country at the moment, people are not allowed to speak the truth, because everybody is so politically correct.

I am a mother and a grandmother who has sadly observed the decline in this country over the past 10yrs.

Ihave always taught my family to respect other peoples cultures and opinions but i also taught them to tell the truth.

But sadly in this PC society everybody dances round the truth for fear of being accused of being racist

mrs caswell, middx, england

This reminds me of the story about the Irish football player playing against Australia who was suspended for calling an opposing player a "black c--t". It later emerged it was the adjective rather than the noun which had caused offence.

SEAMAS, Kusadasi, Turkey

Deeds not words - this man is not a racist. Another example of white self-hatred and the people who bayed for his blood would do better by championing his right to say what he likes in a free country.

Justin, Melbourne, Australia

Why when a politician tells the truth does he get sacked. At least Mercer has a honestly held opinion can we say that for Blair or Cameron. If he had said that fat soldiers used blamed their weight on emotional problems or female soldiers used 'womens problems' as an excuse would he be in such trouble. Does anyone deny that SOME ethnic soldiers use their ethnicity to get out of trouble? If you think that people in the army or elsewhere do not use any excuse that puts pressure on their superios is living in cloud cockoo land. Dont believe me - go sith in the gallery of your local court and listen to the defence excuses.
As for the reporting - black bastard gibe is the headline . Get to the bottom of tha article and you ee it in context. Is that honest?

Tom, Belfast, Antrim

Mr Cameron I always felt you were not the right person for the job and now you have proved ti, you have never had a REAL job and as a consequence do not understand what goes on in the real world. Every one at some time or other gets called a bastard wether they are Black, Pink, Red, Yellow or White. In any case why should there be a Black Police Association, thats recial. The Lunatics are now running the Asylum.
David Ellis Exeter

David Ellis, Exeter, UK

Patrick Mercer, who is my MP, should most certainly have not been sacked for this. His comments were in no way racist nor do they necessarily condone what is done. They simply and accurately reflect the way life is.

People should stop being so infuriatingly PC and realise that stating the truth is not (yet) a criminal nor even a sackable offence.

Well done Patrick and I am sorry you are gone.

Richard Tyndall, Newark, England

Well done Cameron! Issue isn't whether its "common sense" but that charges of "political correctness" and "using the race card" are being used to hide serious institutional and social racism. Mercer is merely voicing what a lot of the closet-BNP supporters think - along of course with the old style Conservatives. Cameron has the courage to pull his party into the 21st century, albeit kicking and screaming. I was going to vote for him anyway but now - as an Asian - I am completely convinced! Thanks Mr. Cameron.

Anamika, London,

The minister has expressed an honest assessment of his experiences within the armed forces. How has he expressed any personal racist views? Why has he been compelled to resign? Why not applaud him for actually stating the case without cowering to the great PC menace? God help us.

Mark Elliott, Leicester, UK

Sacked for telling the truth! So this is the sorry state we find ourselves in, an honest MP tells it how it is. He did'nt
as far as I can ascertain condone racism he just said what actually happens in the army. We know its not right ,but it happens. Having been in the army,working and living with the army all over the world I can assure you what he says
is true. The trouble with the vast majority of MPs is that they
know nothing of the army or army life.Maybe they should take time out to to sample army life in all its manifestations
All the conservative party has achieved is the loss of a good front bench spokesman.

Colin Edgar, Bicester, oxfordshire

No one would deny that stubborn redoubts of some Tories
resistence to the facts that we not in the twenties;Britain is no longer an empire; India and China are emergening as major economic powers; ethnic minorities are no longer the 'natives'. They still hold out like Japanese soldiers who
don't realise second world war is long over over.

Alas, the essence of conservatisim for some is the same old mindset still stuck in a time warp.

Arry, London, UK

I think this is further proof that many in modern Britain continue to harbour racial tendencies even at the highest echelons of power. Kudos to Mr Cameron for taking a decisive action but the main issue is the approach of the larger society to the problem.

Ade Popoola, Reading,

so its ok to insult a red head white guy,dont people know the word sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me,people just jump on a band wagon,people say apologise for slavery. how about kids and women down mines, kids in the mills, or lose your home,then theres the poor law,READ history and learn

thomas, oxford,

"Mr Mercer added that he knew soldiers from ethnic minority backgrounds who used racism as an excuse for poor performance.

"I came across a lot of ethnic minority soldiers who were idle and useless, but who used racism as cover for their misdemeanours," he said. "

If this is true then airbrushing is 'still alive and well', only shifted in context.
If its not true why are they (ethnic minority soldiers) in the army?
If Mr Mercer is simply telling a pack of lies how did he get to where he is, or was?

John Gregory Flinn, Bealencourt, France.

Mr Mercer has related the facts of his army experience as he saw them. Why is that a problem?

Faustino, Brisbane, Australia

Well, I didn't think the original comments were that big a deal. But, it does impinge on public perceptions of the Tories and, in that context, it's pretty laudable that DC has acted speedliy and unequivocally to resolve the matter. Speaks volumes for him (DC) really. Under previous Tory leaders It would probably have dragged on and only have been sorted grudgingly.

Occam, Solihull, UK

I served as an officer alongside Patrick Mercer. I know him well. He is not racist. He states the truth but the PC brigade have won again. What a waste to lose such a fine man from the front bench. Just when we need someone of his calibre

don, Sydney,

As soon as a Conservative MP expresses an honest opinion he gets sacked?
If only they all would divulge what they think.

Frances Smith, Bath, England

What a wonderful day for the PC fascists. Mercer sacked, A South Yorkshire policeman suspended, and a Professor of Demographics told to resign by some students.

Welcome to a nasty world where free speech is now considered offensive.

Ibo Abetunde, London, England

Maybe I don't have all the facts, but the news story makes it sound like Mr. Mercer was just saying that racism exists in the military. Aren't we just killing the messenger?

Linda, Wichita, Kansas

This is probably just spin? A fairly dodgy situation dealt with in a perhaps over exaggerated way, to make them look good in contrast to Labour. It strikes me as an attempt to say that, while Blair lets members of his cabinet who have behaved inappropriately carry on working until they absolutely HAVE to go, Cameron is willing to nip problems in the bud.

Sarah, London, UK

It is a real shame that one can no longer speak the truth as they see it, when all it should do is put the spotlight on the subject and not the messenger.
There may well be a situation that needs further scrutiny, but that will not happen now, better to brush it under the carpet, and fire the foolish person.

Dave Reynolds, NOTTS,

It's clear that nobody can talk frankly and openly about racism without being called a racist.

A bit more honesty and openness would be welcome in a long overdue serious debate about race in the UK.

Nic, Madrid, Spain

It sounds like a media generated sacking. Did they know that "at one stage all of my Company Sergeant Majors were black"?

So a chap that appears to have gone out of his way to have supported his men WHATEVER the colour of their skin or hair has lost his job - for saying that in his regiment you got promoted regardless of colour - calling someone a bastard in a moment of stress - with a smile - can actually help. Toughness is required in the army - and the ability to stand up to a great deal of stress.

It looks like the media is insisting on "political correctness" - to a degree that would more or less make it impossible to run a seriously effective multiracial military unit.

Thank you media.

George Taylor, Oxford,

Looks like Mercer has shown his true colours.

John , Norwich,

No I don't agree and feel saddened that a series of comments that most would recognise as bourne of the mans own experience and background have to be damned to hell.
Where is the mature open debate? Another kick at the cadaver that is free speech. Serious politicans for serious issues? No more childish overreaction and opportunism.

J.P O'Donnell, Gothenberg, Sweden

This is totally wrong. This chap has stated a fact, he has told what actually happens, yet because it involves a minority group, he is sacked?!? This is not what the conservatives should be about, they should *SHOULD* be more intelligent than this... however it is clear that the tories of old are still here, still unable to run the country, and still unable to deal with a toddler with a tantrum. Bravo, Mr Cameron.

James, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, UK

This is the sort of matter that the conservative party of yesteryear would have tried to air brush over.

An obvious action to perform but well done to David Cameron for acting so swiftly.

Mike Williams, Rothwell, Northants