Richard Drax’s views on freedom of speech (column Friday 14th May) are a bit of a confused mixture, possibly reflecting his inability to grasp the complexities of the subject.

Read 'The refusal to allow any divergence from the norm is sinister'

Richard rightly condemns the appalling abuse that many are subject to via social media, and yet trumpets “The freedom to speak one’s mind and, inevitably, cause offence on some occasions...”. I’m really not sure if Richard wants more controls on social media or fewer?

Does he actually have any suggestions for addressing this serious problem?

However, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and assume his good intentions.

Hopefully he can prove his dedication to freedom by opposing the up-coming Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which fundamentally attacks our long established right to protest, by threatening a prison term of up to 10 years, if a protest is considered by the police as potentially causing “serious annoyance” to any member of the public.

MARK GUGAN

Dorchester