I AM writing regarding the front page report (LT, December 9) entitled "Disgrace of Anti-Islam Gesture."

A video link apparently depicting Jesus "making an offensive hand gesture and hurtful remarks about Islam" had been signposted on England first party's website home page with the consent of party leader Mark Cotterill.

Various subscribers to our democratic standing have raised their voices in outrage at the stunt.

It is apparently a free country where citizens are allowed, even encouraged to express themselves. Mark Cotterill thought the video was amusing. No doubt he is not alone, but those who do not share in his sense of humour should surely show him and his supporters at least the same level of tolerance that is lavished and doled out toward those with different opinions.

After all, Coun Cotterill and Coun Johnson were both elected democratically by their constituents who obviously wanted both Mark and Michael to represent them in their respective wards.

It is they, the constituents, the voters who shall ultimately decide whether they wish to re-elect the same come the end of their term in council.

Call me naive if you must, but I didn't invent this democratic process and if we are to subscribe to it, then we must see it through.

ROBIN J EVANS, British National Socialist Party.