MALCOLM Pittock asserts that if nation states can claim the right to hold defensive nuclear weapons then so should other countries, i.e North Korea, if defence reasons are cited (Nuclear Dilemma. Letters, September 7).

But then, Mr Pittock, would you really want such weapons in the hands of the aggressive unstable psychopath Kim Jong Un, a man who behaves like a petulant teenager?

The footage we see of his 'subjects' fawning over him is because they risk an extremely unpleasant end if they don't. The threat of the annihilation of North Korea may ensure that his weapons are indeed defensive and not aggressive.

Like it or not, the nuclear 'deterrent' has kept us free of a global war since the end of World War Two. Victory in that war has given you and I the freedom to express opinions in these pages and beyond, enabling criticism of our government if we choose to do so.

Not possible in Mr Jong Un's regime.

Frank Holstead

Little Stones Road

Egerton