I sympathise with Richard March's difficulties in finding various items in the shops in Brighton.

I have had the same problem.

As his letter progressed, I found myself saying "Hear, hear" - and then I read the last two paragraphs.

I may be, in Mr March's words, a member of a "degenerate and sub-human species" or I may simply have lost the plot - but I actually enjoy living in the UK and have no wish to live elsewhere, even though it would be possible.

I have thoroughly enjoyed 35 years as a teacher of young people in comprehensive schools in London and now in Brighton.

There is plenty that I believe we need to change in UK but I am certain we are more likely to do it by discussion rather than insult. If that is a definition of being "degenerate" or "sub-human", I am guilty as charged.

Mr March is, of course, entitled to his own opinion. After all, "degenerate and sub-human" or not, we, in the UK, still prize freedom of speech. There are plenty of countries outside the UK where a letter such as his would not be published or a vigorous type of justice would be exercised on him by the authorities.

Mr March's hysterical and outrageous outburst will ensure his helpful comment about shopping difficulties in Brighton will be lost on those who might reasonably have wondered, at the start of his letter, whether he had a point.

Thank you for nothing, Mr March.

Dr S Newton, Peacehaven

-PS The "Dr" does not stand for "degenerate" and the "S" does not stand for "sub-human" - in spite of Mr March's possible beliefs to the contrary.