Is Ian from Gloucestershire not jumping the gun? What he is suggesting is that people accused of a serious enough crime should sacrifice their rights to know and challenge the evidence put against them whether guilty or not (a fair trial?). Guilt is not determined until the conclusion of a trial.

John, Edinburgh, UK

The police talk about freeing 'criminals', but how many legally unsafe convictions came from an anonymous person with a grudge giving false testimony? And how many guilty verdicts came from corrupt police forces trying to please their conviction-hungry bosses? The law serves us, not the politicians.

Tim, Edinburgh, UK

The rule of law must prevail & providing appropriate measures & checks are in place, I do not see a problem with protecting a witnesses ID in very serious cases, Those who do not appear to respect life & others rights should forfeit certain rights. Rights should be earned by respecting the law.

Ian, Gloucestershire,

Defendants have the right to a fair trial.Murder victims have a right to live.Steps have to be taken to counter witness intimidation. Long term witness protection, despite the expense, appear to be the only solution.All the same they amount to exile for the witnesses and family.

Edward Johns, Lannion, France

The defence should have every right to question the credibility of witnesses giving evidence against the accused. Anonymity would obviously prevent this from occuring. The Lords made the right call.

James, Manchester,

This is a victory for justice and common sense. Of course witnesses should be placed before the defence unless it is children . Think about the consequences for someone innocent, a couple of people who have grudges come forward and remain anon, the basis of law must be kept open and fair.

C Darken, Nantwich, UK

This Government has demonstrated their inadequacy yet again by allowing this ridiculous situation to occur. The sooner we have the opportunity to replace them the better.

Ben Callaghan, leicester,

Really tricky one. It can't be fair to not know the identity of people standing as witness against you. However given that police can't protect witnesses and in a society where life appears to be so cheap you can understand their reluctance to testify.

mark connelly, surbiton, england