Brian Coleman claims it "appears to be left entirely to the Conservatives to fight the corner for free speech and human rights" (Times Letters, August 9).

Wasn't it Councillor Coleman who suggested turning fire hoses on May Day demonstrators?

Lord Toby Harris, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), announced on the eve of May Day that the police had authority to use plastic bullets for the first time in London.

Was this a personal or collective decision?

Was there any debate in the MPA or was it merely the result of police prompting like the stoking up of tabloid headlines?

I also recollect Lady Thatcher regularly moving the May Bank Holiday away from its customarily celebrated day.

No doubt Councillor Coleman could explain why an otherwise traditionally-minded Conservative would do that?

David Shepherd

Vivian Avenue, Hendon