Cloaked in anonymity, the on-line mob disperse their bile, hatred and intolerance on those who don’t share their views.

Threats to kill, rape and assault are not uncommon and several of my colleagues are victims of this new form of puritanism.

In other cases, the recipient is subjected to calls to apologise, resign or both.

They’re the tactics of the bully-boy, perpetrated, ironically, by those driven by a new-found political correctness.

And it’s not just found in politics. Only this week, Virgin Trains almost banned the Daily Mail newspaper from their west coast service.

The ASLEF union objected to it; wisely, Richard Branson ordered the ban overturned, claiming he didn’t know about it.

He said: “Freedom of speech, freedom of choice and tolerance for differing views are the core principles of any free society.” I would not disagree with that, and it’s one of the reasons why I’ve long argued against draconian legislation which would unjustly penalise newspapers.

Current proposals to make papers pay all costs in every legal action, no matter how accurate their reporting, would only crush investigative journalism and threaten local newspapers.

More widely, public debate is already stifled by political correctness – censorship in all but name. Universities are forced to cancel guest speakers whose views or scientific research might offend the sensibilities of the audience.

Even our Armed Forces find their very integrity being challenged by a new, touchy-feely approach to recruitment and training that undermines the military’s very purpose, which is to bear arms in defence of Queen and country. We live in a free and tolerant country and we must ensure it stays that way.