A LexisNexis search of national newspapers reveals nearly 40 articles on UK Uncut's occupation of Fortnum & Mason (Report, 29 March). Barely a handful portrayed the action positively. Most linked the sit-in to acts of violence that occurred elsewhere and presented it as the brainchild of black-clad anarchists. There are frequent references to "thugs", "yobs" and "mindless youths", without any evidence presented of violence or damage inside the store. As someone who took part in the action, I'm dismayed that the peaceful sit-in has been lumped together with violence and property damage outside. What happened at Fortnum & Mason was an act of principled civil disobedience in solidarity with those marching, as a way of highlighting the real crimes of tax avoidance by companies like Fortnum & Mason. One can only hope that newspapers will now talk to those who took part in the occupation, rather than print baseless slander.
Oliver Kearns
Glasgow
• Theresa May told MPs that 149 of the more than 200 demonstrators arrested during violent clashes with police had now been charged. "The message to those who carry out violence is clear," she said. "You will be caught and punished." But 138 of those charged were peaceful protesters inside Fortnum's. The real message is: if you are violent the police won't bother with you, but if they can arrest you easily then they will do so. I was one of those arrested on leaving Fortnum and Mason.
Tom Holness
Birmingham
• The police say they could not control the breakaway protesters as they were so quick and kept moving. On the Embankment we were given a flyer telling us where anti-establishment protests were going to be, what time to mass there and even a helpful map. Police intelligence could not have been very sophisticated if they did not receive one. Or maybe they did and hung back so the headlines the next day would be all about the riotous minority and not about the peaceful majority.
Lucinda Cliff
Lyme Regis, Dorset
• I hope that the home secretary's proposal to ban balaclavas and face masks at protests will extend to police officers. Despite the mild weather your photo shows several officers balaclava'd up.
Ian Fletcher
Longridge, Lancashire
• Nick Vinehill (Letters, 28 March) says few Labour MPs "dared to be present" at the protest. I've no idea how many attended, but I was pleasantly surprised to meet Yvette Cooper, Harriet Harman and Tessa Jowell, wearing suffragette colours and marching with the feminist bloc.
Jill Allbrooke
Brentford, Middlesex