First, it was the wanton destruction of herds of sheep and cattle in the foot-and-mouth disaster.

Then came the order to destroy badgers in Saltdean under cover of darkness, possibly to cause the least impact on local opinion.

The latest destruction order, on the swans at Shoreham Airport, could mean the killing of dozens of birds.

Since swans are a protected species by Royal command, how can Defra apply a destruction order with such ease?

It's a great pity we cannot use such an order on Elliot Morley.

-Mrs C Belton, Lindfield Close, Saltdean