This poster now greets every customer entering my store. This isn't about demonising those who choose to wear masks; I absolutely respect their right to do so. They will always be welcome. But I must also consider the rights of those who choose not to wear one. People are afraid.

Already, I have had one lady with asthma thanking us for this policy. She was terrified that we would be asking her to cover her face, which would have increased the risk of an attack. There will be thousands like her, many pressed into wearing masks through fear of abuse.

Some of my older customers have only just found the confidence to leave their masks at home. In many stores they'll soon be forced to wear them again, returning many to a state of anxiety. Other people will rightly be concerned at the continued erosion of our civil liberties.

To the haters, understand that this isn't a petty protest. These are real people with genuine concerns. You know that the scientific argument for mask wearing is incredibly weak. You know that it was a political decision. Respect everybody's right to choose.

Keep Britain Free.