IN reply to Chris Halford (Oxford Mail ViewPoints, December 6), I’m so glad that debate is alive and well.

But instead of coming back combating what I consider cold, hard facts regards Iran, he decides to use the old right-wing tactic of personal attack.

I really do not like being misquoted and I never said: “being plain ashamed to be British”, his line.

My letter said: “Sometimes... ashamed to be British, our media and politicians the cause”. A slight difference I think Mr Halford?

A media that hacks into dead schoolgirl’s mobile phone and corrupt politicians who continue to use our military to fight wars for oil and other immoral ends – surely this must stop?

I too am glad Iran hasn’t got a nuclear bomb but he mentioned the US, which has and which was the only country ever to use it, twice.

It may be worth pointing out that Iran has not broken the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, but the UK and US have.

I do care about the Middle East and the bloody mess and carnage we have delivered.

Hundreds of thousands are dead and continue to die daily in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine and I desperately want to see that end.

I’ve written before about a “swamp of hatred” we have festered that won't help make us safe here in these islands.

Pity the likes of Mr Halford cannot debate issues, but then I've always believed if I can make a point and get attacked for it, I must be doing something right.

TIM W SIRET Millmoor Crescent Eynsham