Not for the first time it has taken a group of socially aware citizens of Brighton to awaken us to an issue which should be of nationwide concern.

The Government proposes to authorise unelected health authorities to order water companies to add a possibly toxic chemical, hexafluorisilicic acid - otherwise known as fluoride - to public water supplies.

Water companies have asked to be granted indemnity against any resulting civil or criminal litigation.

The Government claims this will help protect children from tooth decay. So, in order to allow weak parents to continue to indulge their children with sweet fizzy drinks and confectionery, it is intended that we should all be force-fed a form of medication every time we drink water or use it for cooking.

This is despite the International Convention on Human Rights decree that it is the right of every individual to choose or refuse any medical treatment.

It will be interesting to see how our local MPs vote on this proposal on September 8.

-Peter Allen, High Salvington, Worthing