I write in response to Roger Smith’s article stating that readers of the Daily Mail ‘are hysterically opposed to human rights’ (see [2008] Gazette, 18 September, 12). This is an insult to any Mail reader. I read the Mail and anyone who knows me will tell you that it is only spiders which produce hysteria in me.

With respect to human rights, why would any sensible person oppose them? The problem is that human rights activists seem to concentrate on minorities and those who are vociferous and belligerent enough to press for their rights, irrespective of whether they are at odds with the interest of the majority. In the media there seems an assumption that rights do not apply to the general population.

Instead of writing off Daily Mail readers, maybe Mr Smith should talk to them. He may find they are honest, decent people who are genuinely concerned about the welfare of people in Britain and their own families – not the devil incarnate your boxed headline would have us believe.

I would be happier if human rights legislation stated at the outset that all rights are to be exercised in favour of the best interests of the majority. Those rights should then be listed alongside a column stating accompanying responsibilities. Currently we only have rights, rights and more rights. That it is not ‘right’ at all.

Lucia Dolan, Locum family solicitor