SIR - I was saddened to see Mike Priestley has joined the media midgets and political pygmies who persist in persecuting Peter Hain on the basis of some allegations for which firm evidence of wrongdoing has yet to be produced (T&A, January 19).

During my military career, I noticed those who held decorations for gallantry were effectively untouchable simply because it was accepted that they had seen and done things which were beyond the understanding of any potential accuser. Peter Hain is in that category because, despite regular threats to his life and liberty, he more than any other individual was responsible for turning world opinion against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

That his outstanding courage and commitment have never been formally recognised by his adopted country is probably down to the fact that his campaign to set South Africans free was conducted during the reign of the blessed Margaret whose attitude was, to say the least, ambivalent.

Brian Holmans, Langley Road, Bingley