ALEX Winter's View from the Hill is a timely reminder of a worrying trend.

For many years this has been a country where views and opinions could be expressed publicly without fear of recrimination.

Even where there have been differences of opinion there has been respect for the individual and their views.

Sadly, there seems to be a growing minority of people who take the position that they have a monopoly of the truth and no one has the right to disagree with them.

Put forward an alternative view and you are told you are bigoted, intolerant and phobic and have no right to express such a view.

This seems to be particularly prevalent on social media.

There are a number of groups who face such attacks and intolerance. Christians who hold similar but perhaps not such extreme views as Jacob Rees-Mogg on abortion and same sex marriage as evidenced by some of the reactions quoted in the article.

Last week we had an incident of transgender activists trying to stop a meeting of their opponents which culminated a 60-year-old lady being attacked. This was at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park which has always been a place noted for free speech.

So whilst I disagree with some of Alex's comments, I accept her right to express them and thank her for the reminder that others should respect mine.

Sadly, I don't think they will have much impact. I think that Evelyn Beatrice Hall, who originated the quote "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it", must be turning in her grave.

R F COOPER

Laidlaw Close, Poole