MOST of the time Peter Mullen expresses views that are very different from mine.

Though I am internationalist and socialist he is very much an old-fashioned supporter of an establishment I would like to see humbled, but his views and, those like them, are part of the public debate.

Why shouldn’t my views be challenged?

I am the product of a life full of challenges which have made me feel strong and empowered. His experience will have been very different.

He reminds me of the supporters of the status quo who once I outraged in the Norton Debating Society when I was a young man Let controversy remain so we can live lively lives. When I think of Reverend Mullen I also think of the French philosopher Voltaire who would fight to the death for his opponents’ right to say what they thought.

G Bulmer, Billingham.