While on a visit to my native Malta recently I was horrified to see a sign opposite the modern law courts in Valletta which read: Misraħ il-Ħelsien – Freedom Square. Quite frankly, I found this quite offensive and wondered who could have come up with such a tactless and insensitive name.

Freedom from whom? It isn’t as though Malta, unlike the Channel Islands, had been occupied by the enemy during World War II and, as such, had to fight for its final liberation.

Had there been a struggle to gain independence from the British in Malta?

Surely, when asked to leave, the British departed peacefully and with dignity.

The presence of the British in the Maltese Islands for some 175 years had, in the first place, been at the invitation of the Maltese and, as such, they were not there by force.

Shame on whoever came up with this tactless idea and to have placed it for all to see in such a prominent position. Take it down, I say.