From FIONA SAMPSON, Editor, Poetry Review
It's not much help but I want to add to your bulging in-box my warmest wishes and strongest thoughts in support of you both right now. I am shocked and astonished by the ACE's decision, which seems to me at the same time both incomprehensible, and part of a larger pattern.
Arc is irreplaceable, and your Modern European Poets list is not only unique and essential but a truly authoritative collection of which the Arts Council - and above all you - should be immensely proud. I do know a little of just how much work, painstaking, risktaking, steady, enterprising - the networking, the travelling, the going to everything, the personal support and hospitality given to your poets - goes into making Arc the success it is. It's a huge achivement and that achievement remains, irrevocably, regardless of what you decide to do next.
Oh, and btw, as poet and reader alike I'm happy to sign any petition if you get to that point.