THE robustness of democracy is constantly under challenge as terrorism provides a chilling reminder of its ferocity and there is no doubting the complex nature of a significant global problem.

In this respect, your Comment column (Echo, Nov 29) rightly sounds the alarm. Recent scenes in Mumbai mortify those of us who believe in freedom and a sense of security and safety.

We can never eradicate danger, whatever its form, but national and global security has to be maintained.

However, we have to be balanced. Many see last week’s arrest of Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green, over alleged leaks of information, as an abuse of the supremacy of Parliament.

While at times we might question Britain as a fully functioning democracy, we do not live in anarchy or have controls imposed upon us as in a totalitarian state.

Within the Palace of Westminster there is Government and Opposition and the protocols that enable freedom of information. Some information is more sensitive, and requires politicians to be responsible in how they use it.

Like many, I am not aware of the exact detail of what led to Mr Green’s arrest, but it causes concern. It is important that issues such as immigration and terrorism are not entangled in a web of conspiracy.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.

HOME Secretary Jacqui Smith adopted the righteous attitude that it would be wrong for politicians to interfere in police business regardless of the fact that Damian Green is an opposition frontbench Member of Parliament who, as far as it can be seen, was doing the job he is paid to do.

This righteous attitude must have been adopted after the last party leader, Tony Blair, said that it was not in the public’s interest for the police investigation into the possible corrupt business practices of BEA and a Saudi Arabian diplomat to be continued.

This is just another example of how this Government has eroded our so-called democracy in the interest of self preservation.

Peter Dolan, Newton Aycliffe.