Bradford Council is right to stand up for democracy in the face of renewed efforts by the Government to impose fluoridation. Its resolution condemning mass medication as "unethical" along with its decision to send a letter to the Prime Minister outlining the reasons why it opposes the measure will no doubt be widely supported.

Despite repeated assurances by health professionals like Dr John Beal, West Yorkshire Health Authority's dental public health consultant, that there are no harmful side effects, many people remain sceptical.

There are genuine concerns that the undoubted benefits of fluoride in protecting the teeth of children, particularly those who are not encouraged to practise routine dental hygiene and are allowed to eat the "wrong" things, could be outweighed by the potential damage it might cause among the wider public.

It is not right that it should be imposed on the whole population without its approval, as it could be if the Water Bill amendment due to have its second reading in Parliament on Monday is approved.

That measure would hand power to impose fluoridation to the West Yorkshire Health Authority, although it would be Yorkshire Water which would be in the front line for claims if the worst fears of the objectors were ever to prove well founded.

Fluoride should not be added to water without the public's approval. If that is to come it must be through the democratic process after the case in favour has been convincingly made. It should not be imposed from above after a "consultation exercise" which, if past experience is any guide, will be widely mistrusted.