BRITAIN rightly prides itself as a country of tolerance which accommodates a variety of cultures, understands different points of view, and is sensitive to infringements of freedom.

But there is a point at which tolerance, understanding, and sensitivity turn into barmy political correctness.

A graphic illustration of how far that line has been crossed lies in the cross-party agreement on new anti-terrorism legislation.

More than 50 people had to die in the London bombings before support was given for new laws to stop radical preachers openly promoting terrorist attacks while living in Britain. Only now do we think it is right to make it illegal to access terrorist websites or acquire bomb-making instructions. And, finally, it has been accepted that terrorist training should be banned. Has it really taken this long to come to our senses?

Perhaps we are starting to wake up but political correctness remains rampant in our society. For example, it will be on the agenda next week at the Professional Association of Teachers' annual conference.

The union will hear a proposal that the word "fail" should be banned in schools and replaced with the term "deferred success". Why? So children are not demotivated.

It is the same kind of madcap philosophy that has led to some schools stopping sports day to avoid children being losers.

Let us hope that the members of the Professional Association of Teachers do not defer success in their duty to educate children in the real word.