I AM writing in response to the letter from Michael J Smith entitled “Totally misguided”, (The Argus, November 29) about the 20 vegan activists who stormed Touro Steakhouse in Brighton.

Will their actions convince Mr Smith to give up eating his steak?

The answer is a resounding no.

Imagine a reversed scenario.

Would the vegan activists change their ways through that method of intimidation? The power of ethical reasoning can prevail over the self-interest of our species.

There has been a great deal of publicity about their stunt, making the national press.

This has raised the issues around meat consumption in the public mind, but it is short-lived, whereas the way to achieving a lasting change is to convince by reasoned and factual argument, allowing individuals to decide for themselves.

Michael Smith talks of choices in a liberal democracy but omits to mention informed choices based on all the evidence that exists in the reality of everyday animal slaughter that the vegan activists highlight. Animals have no choice at all in his “liberal” democracy.

Mr Smith goes on to say that animal slaughter is unpleasant. No, Mr Smith, it is brutally savage, should you have seen it.

Compassion in World Farming (who are all vegan) runs a campaign to encourage people to reduce their meat consumption.

I believe this is a more effective way of convincing the likes of Michael J Smith to give up eating his steak.

Not as exciting, of course, but possibly, longer lasting.

David Hammond North Court Hassocks