Carol can say what she likes... as can those who disagree with her

We either want to live in a free country or we don't. There can be no half measures and if we want to live in a free country then we must have the right to say what we want - however much that may offend other people.

So if Carol Thatcher wants to call a black tennis player a golliwog then that is her right in a free country.

Just as it is the right of other people to heap opprobrium on her for saying that. That is their right - what is not their right is to prevent her speaking out in the first place.

In a free country everyone must have the right to say whatever they want except when they incite violence. That is when and only when the law must intervene.