I have no doubt that the recent milkshaking of Nigel Farage has caused many a smile and laugh throughout the country, but few realise the connotations of this action.

Politicians should be able to freely walk around without hindrance in normal life and even more so when campaigning, the perpetrator most likely is basking in his new found “fame”, but the person who egged John Prescot many years ago soon had the smile wiped off of his face with an unprecedented reaction by John Prescot himself.

Perhaps a really heavy sentence for the perpetrator of common assault etc on Mr Farage will put a shadow on his new-found infamy to deter other likewise idiots having a laugh.

Tommy Robinson was a recipient of a similar attack recently, but as it was an “accident”? the culprit was bound over to keep the peace. This is nothing to do with Mr Robinson’s political views, things can snowball if not stamped on heavily, the tragedy of Joe Cox is the culmination of things being taken too far.

It might happen once in less civilised countries, but the disappearance or a crumbled heap appearing in the local morgue sends a clear and unequivocal message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

But as the UK is civilised, and free speech is allowed, these forms of actions against politicians will not, and must not be tolerated.

ALAN KNIGHT

Princess Margaret Road, Tilbury