MIKE Stride, who I assume is one of the organisers of the local lockdown protests (‘Plans for a second lockdown protest’, Daily Echo, November 20) claims that he and his followers demonstrating to protect their human rights and are exercising their right to free speech.
Fine words, Mr Stride, but what about the human rights of the great majority of us whose health and wellbeing is being put at risk by you refusal to comply with lockdown and social distancing rules?
The demonstrators are breaking the law on at least two counts –failure by most of them to wear masks and gathering in far greater numbers than are permitted.
As for the statement by Dorset Police that they have done and will continue to adopt the ‘Four Rs’ approach, Engage, Explain, Encourage and, as a last resort, Enforce, they have already done more than enough of the first three and should now go straight to enforcement.
They are wasting their time trying to reason with Mr Stride and his anarchic bunch of scofflaws.
Hit ‘em where it hurts – in the pocket, and if they persist in inciting people to engage in illegal activities lock ‘em up.
And I can’t help wondering whether Mr Stride’s principles extend to forego seeking any medical treatment for himself and members of his family should they contract the virus?
ROBERT READMAN
Norwich Avenue West, Bournemouth
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