The Oxford English Dictionary defines deterrent as "A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something." The observant will note that this definition makes no reference to size.

When the tragedy of the shootings at Umpqua Community College in Oregon occurred President Obama was quick to renew his calls for increased gun control within the United States. He has frequently dismissed the argument that citizens possessing firearms acts as a deterrent to criminals. However, our politicians tell us incessantly that the UK having nuclear weapons deters our imagined enemies from attacking our shores.

Are we to draw the conclusion from this anomaly that the individual must forfeit the right to protect himself but our elected representatives deem it acceptable to wield a weapon that will slaughter millions of innocent civilians to maintain their power and influence?

David Stubley,

22 Templeton Crescent,

Prestwick.