I WAS gratified to read Chris Moncrieff’s defence of Lord Hain in his dispute with ‘our learned friends’ (“Let’s applaud Hain’s actions”, The Press October 30).

Although at the time (1969/70) I deprecated Peter Hain’s campaign to stop apartheid South African rugby and cricket tours by digging up pitches, I appreciated his dedication to a worthy cause.

I was glad when judicious use of common law enabled him to escape possible consequences and subsequent “stings” by Pretoria.

At the time, English law prevailed, with the House of Lords as the ultimate arbiter, but now we seem to have adopted the continental system of rule by judges at all levels.

If something is not forbidden it is compulsory as judicially determined.

Hopefully after Brexit we will escape the legacy of Napoleon and revert to “innocent until proven guilty” and the supremacy of our Parliament.

I suppose that anyone quoting Henry VI Part II Scene III would be guilty of a hate crime.

A V Martin,

Westfield Close,

Wigginton, York