I am sure that the vast majority of us believe in free speech, and that it is essential for a functioning democracy.

It is, therefore, worrying to watch the behaviour of the right wing press, especially the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail (both owned by people who do not live in the UK or pay tax here).

If these papers do not agree with your view, whether you are the fifteen Tory MPs who voted against having a fixed date to leave the EU (these MPs did NOT vote to stop Brexit as claimed by the Daily Telegraph, just believe that it is in the UKs best interests to be flexible) or the female university student who wanted to broaden the book list of her course, they use inflammatory and distorted headlines to intimidate them.

When these people then receive abuse, and in Anna Soubry MPs case death threats (which after Jo Cox’s death cannot be ignored) they claim it has nothing to do with them.

I would argue that their articles give validity to the actions of the abusers. It also encourages all but the very strong, to stay silent, and may in the future discourage people, especially women, from holding public office.

This cannot be in the interests of democracy.

Helen Webster, Main Street, Fulford, York

Diesel discrimination

As a driver with a diesel car I am disgusted that this government should hit only car drivers and not all vehicles that run on diesel.

What they are insinuating is that only car drivers are responsible for the air pollution.

This is far from the truth. Lorries, vans and even buses all cause pollution - if not more than cars.

Government praised the diesel vehicle at one time and many car drivers changed and the manufacturers produced diesel cars to fill this demand. Now they are the cause of all the pollution problems?

I am not saying they are not adding to the pollution but be fair and ensure everybody using diesel vehicles are treated the same. Lorries, vans and buses should take responsibility as well.

Rural areas will be hit by the changes and many older people such as myself are not in position to change from diesel vehicles - not because we would not but because of cost. As for electric, well, that’s out of the question cost-wise.

The Government has no idea what they are doing to the lower paid and people such as pensioners who have limited incomes.

There are many more arguments which could be included.

The York Local Plan is one - in the Haxby area 738 house are planned and will mean at least another 1200 cars, causing more pollution.

Yes, we need houses but that’s another subject.

Mr R Stevenson, Usher Lane, Haxby, York

A little consideration, please?

I can understand how frustrating it must be, especially during the run up to Christmas, for blue badge holders having to negotiate streets heaving with pedestrians.

But over-revving engines and the blowing of horns win them no friends. Blue badges are a privilege and not a right. The holders of the badges should show a little more consideration to others.

D M Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate,York

Phone box vandalism

The phone box at Victoria Bar in York has lost its battle to survive thanks to vandalism. It has now been removed. However, I would like to thank BT for its past service to the Bishophill and surrounding area that it has provided over the years.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York