Letter: Hoddle's offence

Sir: Mr Hoddle's views on the disabled are indefensible, but he is entitled to express them, even if the Prime Minister disagrees. Moreover, he will have a right to do so under the new Human Rights Act.

The Prime Minister's support for his dismissal comes perilously close to governmental interference with the right to free speech. It is one thing for the rest of us to preach at Mr Hoddle, but quite another for those in power to do so when a man's livelihood is at stake.

Professor A E BOYLE

Edinburgh