Sue Baumgardt's response to the suggestion that as so many people still hunt the law should be changed is to argue robust policing of these arrogant people is required (Letters, January 2).

Hunt supporters have fallen at every hurdle in their attempt to repeal the 2004 ban on hunting with dogs but remain determined to get rid of the "ludicrous Hunting Act", according to one local MP, Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs), who was involved in setting up the Countryside Alliance.

Three years ago, he predicted hunts would still be meeting on Boxing Day even if MPs voted to abolish the sport and has gone on record as saying he believes, "Laws can exist only in a democracy by public consent."

I agree. That is why the Hunting Act became law.

I suspect Mr Herbert intended his statement to mean a minority should not be dictated to by a majority. This explains why he is strongly against the smoking ban which will protect millions of workers in the UK from July, but by following this same logic he should be in favour of legalising cannabis.

It isn't as simple as that.

If hunters claim they are above the law, Nick Herbert, shadow police reform minister, should put aside his personal prejudice and use his position of influence to ensure the police do their job.

  • David Hammond, North Court, Hassocks