WE ARE lucky enough to live in liberal, democratic and tolerant society.

It is easy to take for granted freedoms that would be cherished in other parts of the world.

The right to free assembly and free speech are good examples of hard-won liberties which must be jealously guarded.

Of course, they come with a downside. If your trade is affected by a noisy demonstration you might wonder if the game is worth the candle.

But these rights are also indivisible. The obnoxious have as much right to air their views as the virtuous.

All this is said, of course, in the understanding that protesters and marchers are not free from the law. Hate speech is unacceptable on the streets and lawless and thuggish behaviour must be punished without fear or favour.

Sussex Police have a difficult job in patrolling demonstrations in the city. They must balance the right of the shopkeeper to make a living, the tourist to enjoy a day at the seaside and the politically motivated to make their points.

The March for England on April 21 will test every one of these pressure points.

Some shopkeepers have already decided to close their doors on the day and many others will stay away from the seafront during the march.

After a poor Easter and a Siberian spring, the last thing traders need is a noisy political row on their doorsteps.

But we cannot pick and choose which causes are allowed to flaunt their views in the sea breeze.

We must simply keep calm and hold our noses.