The inferences that we might just draw from Keith Brian's regular contributions to the Cornish Times are that democracy, the legal system, human rights and justice are all things that cost too much and therefore resources should not be wasted upon them.

These are however, just the elements that underpin a decent society. The cost is large and the results are seldom perfect but this does not mean that we should welsh on treaties with other countries, turn our back on International Law, deny democratic decisions and not attempt to put right the wrongs of the past.

To do this would be to abandon the moral high ground and all that is good about this country.

The very fact that we do commit public money in this way is a British thing and makes this country still the best place in the world in which to live despite all of its imperfections.

Let's not let the "London taxi-cab driver mentality" triumph over the British sense of fair play no matter how old-fashioned this notion might seem to be in the eyes of some.

JEREMY GENT A.C.M.A.