We are already frustrated at this government that ignores the will of the public time and time again. If the police take away our right to free protest then the Met are just going to increase the frustration of many protesters and leave with them with no alternative but direct action.Was there any real trouble at the march in September 2002? No. Was there any real trouble at the march in February 2003? No. How can they uphold our democratic rights with one hand whilst taking them away with the other? What is the point of protesting against the arrival of Bush if he can’t see the protests?If it is thought that this will make London safer, then the mentality of a lot of the people who will be protesting has not been understood.

Apart from possible accidental damage, changes of environment may affect them adversely, and there is, of course, always the security problem attached to objects of great value. Comparatively few local museums can provide either the special environmental conditions or the security that might be required, having been starved of funds by successive administrations for many years.CLAUDE BLAIR Ashtead, Surrey Our right to protest against Bush visit Sir: I am horrified that the Metropolitan Police will not be allowing protests in Whitehall and Parliament Square (“US wants exclusion zone for Bush”, 12 November). This, of course, ignores the interests of people living in the East and West. Anyone visiting the Armouries for the day from London who is unable to take advantage of concessionary fares is unlikely to have much change from £100, so I can’t imagine what anyone travelling from Cornwall would have to pay.The proposal to send works saved for the nation on tour is not as simple as it sounds.

Any moving around of ancient, and probably fragile, paintings and antiques puts them at risk. I bought it because I liked it, not because it was a Romney.Counsel: May I suggest a solution to this conundrum? Why not have an indistinguishable copy made of this painting? And keep the copy? And let my client have the Romney back again?Plaintiff: It is a tempting idea, but I have grown to love this particular painting. I do not believe I could learn to love a copy of it.Counsel: Than may I make another suggestion? It occurs to me that the whole trouble in this case springs from the fact that your painting was authenticated by experts as being a genuine Romney. Now, if the experts had another look and decided the painting was not after all by Romney…Plaintiff: That would be wonderful.