Mike Everett (View Points, August 30) suggested that David Diment is “the only one in this country who does not want capital punishment”.

I disagree. I should think many others are glad that Britain is more civilized than that.

Mr Everett, before you say there may be the odd error, I suggest you look back through the many cases of wrongful imprisonment and execution over the years.

There are far too many innocent lives taken by countries that use the final sanction.

While I agree that there are some despicable people, who are we to take their lives? Most murders are “heat of the moment”.

All executions are cold blood. But David is wrong to suggest the reintroduction of national service.

We would have fitter, trained thugs on the street afterwards. Better the great volunteers we have now.

PAUL BUTLER

Caldecott Close

Abingdon