Some embarassingly bizarre comments here and I think Hippobabe's reproof is justified. Mr Thornber in particular seems to have forgotten that Mrs Thatcher shamefully tolerated apartheid as a supposed bulwark against communism, and some of her MPs were openly sympathetic to the old regime.

Why should we only honour obscure past generals, and not one of the best people of our age, whether he's British or not?

Nick Palmer MP, Nottingham, Uk

Read his autobiography and say that again, David. His story is an inspiration to all men for all time. In this increasingly global world, this man should be honoured in the centre of London as an example of what it takes to be considered great.

john webb, eltham, london

A statue of Nelson Mandela to be placed in Parliament Square – why – what possible reason can there be for putting it here, or anywhere else in the UK. The only place this should be put is somewhere in South Africa. Ken Livingstone and his crony pc mates should be more concerned with matters pertinent to the UK in general and London in particular, than they are in a person convicted and locked up for terrorism in South Africa. What a bunch of wasters they are. How much has this cost and who is paying the bill. What relevance is Mandela to Parliament, London or the UK? And the question of whether this statue is a work of art or not is irrelevant to this argument

Lynda Plum, London, england

Mandela, one of the men who changed South Africa into the most dangerous place to live on earth outside of a war zone. The power of Marxist propaganda! One day the truth will be written.

Exessayer, Marbella, Spain

Apartheid was bad, black against blacks is worse Thank to the support of the British people including Peter Hain and others, Nelson Mandela and his colleagues were able to bring to and the despicable Apartheid system, which legalised discrimination on colour through a system called “separate development” It would be a tragedy for Africa if the British people were to sit back; thinking that the end of Apartheid rule in South Africa was the end of injustices in Africa. Similar or even worse forms of oppression are continuing in many part of Africa. In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is heading a minority government based on tribe and committing all sorts of atrocities against the opposition Movement for democratic Change (MDC). In Ethiopia, Prime Minster Meles Zenawi has just handed life sentences to the leader of opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Mr Hailu Shawel and 29 other colleagues. In Uganda, President Museveni who will host the Commonwealth meeting in Nov

Sam Akaki, London, UK

Mandela was classed a terrorist once upon a time by the criteria of his home country. Perhaps Livingstone can persuade us to fit Gerry Adams on another plinth now that he is nearly rehabilitated...

Dick, York,

It is a doubtful practice to erect statues to commemorate people still alive. This of course applies to Margaret Thatcher as well as Nelson Mandela. If posterity is to judge individuals worthy of such an honour, it will do so far better when they have passed on and their lives have been reflected on in full perspective, without fear or favour.

Kolya Bulinski, London,

I agree with Mr Thornber, Like any other country (apart from ours) we are losing all traditional values by placing not our own "greats" but other peoples. Ok Mr Mandela is fully deserved of his own stautue in Sunny South Africa but has no link to the UK whatsoever. Who will be next ? Dame Edna at the BBC ?

D Owens, Portsmouth, UK

I grew up in SA and I agree- why a Mandela statue? There are plenty of him in SA. What did he do for the UK? How about a statue of Diana? Not? Oh, OK.

Anony, Cambridge, England

I repeat - why 2 statues within a mile of each other ????

David , Maidenhead, UK

It is completely ridiculous to have a statue of a foreign politician in Parliament Square. Mandela has nothing at all to do with the UK, and the statue should be removed as soon as any sanity returns to British politics.

Michael, London, UK

A fantastic tribute to a fantastic man. He has many of the characteristics that most in this country lack - commitment, strength, tolerance, humour, high morals, forgiveness. 6 for starters. Grow up you small minded bigotted nation.

Jane, london,

Nelson Mandela commands respect worldwide and has set an example like no other. A statue of him will set a reminder how not just how politicians should behave but also all human beings.

I have just returned from South Africa and now recognise even more what he has done, not just for South Africa, but for all of us.

What a shame that some people only see the cost and not the wider significance of the statue.

Grant Moyse, Horsham, England

Well I guess if it's a toss up between a statue of Mandella or Blair, Mandellas your man, sorry Tony .

Paul Martin, Salisbury, Queensland Australia

I'm all for a statue of Nelson Mandela in London but why not use the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square just across from South Africa House?

Tim, Auckland, New Zealand

regardless of the rights and wrongs concerning the location of the statue in the UK, it is a (subjectively) dreadful piece of art.

richard, aylesford,

Even though he has acheieved great things there should not be a statue of Mr Mandela in London. I don't think he has done any great things for Britain.

This just makes no sense to me.

Please can someone attempt to explain why British tax payers money is being used to erect this statue?

Every city in the UK I go to has examples of enormous poverty, our transport system is horrific, our roads are a mess, our public health system is awful...I think the money could have been spent better elsewhere.

But of course, a statue of Mr Mandela is more politically correct than someone getting a hip operation a month or two sooner!

Francis, Birmingham,

I agree. South Africa itself already has too many Mandela statues etc. Mandela Square, the Mandela Office Complex, the Mandela Stadium, The Mandela/Livingstone building, etc. etc. etc.

I have to admit, a statue of him in the UK, is pretty freakin weird.

Sinudeity, Cape Town, South Africa

If Britons don't want to be inspired by an example of great leadership, great humility, great endurance of suffering, a great vision of peace and tolerance, and great forgiveness; and if you feel that such things are inappropriate to your culture - well then, send the statue to SA in exchange for one of Mrs Thatcher, all respect be to her. After all, Nelson Mandela arose out of this beautiful land which, although it has its problems, is thankfully not at war. I don't understand why Britain is not proud of its role in the victory of justice and freedom in their former colony. We South Africans wish you (and Iraq) nothing less, as you battle terror and hatred in the very streets. May the peaceful spirit of Nelson Mandela bring freedom from fear to your capital.

I find the attitude of the previous comments graceless and petty-minded. I hope - I believe - that they are not representative of the majority of Britons.

Hippobabe, Johannesburg, South Africa

Mr Mandela may be an admirable man but why have got to raise a statue to a non Briton who has done nothing for this country in Parliament Square? This is an exercise in making our creepy Mayor of London look good. I am fed up with being used as a doormat for the narrow political objectives of a minority with too much to say for themselves. Jan Smutts supported this country when she was at war and in peril; there is no comparison.

Pete, Lincoln, England

Why does London have to have another statue of Nelson Mandela when there has been one for years at the side of the Festival Hall only a mile away from the siting of the new one ?

David , Maidenhead, UK

Ah yes, Nelson Mandela, such a distinguished Briton throughout his career.

Mr Mandela is undoubtedly deserving of high accolade, but please tell us Mr Livingstone, why should Britain be so proud of him that we erect a statue in our Capital? Also, when can we expect Mrs. Thatcher's statue to placed in Cape Town? After all, I seem to remember it was her policies which helped bring an end to Mr Mandela's incarceration and the ideology which placed and kept him there.

Edwin Thornber, Bucharest,