Ever since I first tweeted about gender politics I’ve never criticised @JK_Rowling. I understood that she had received unacceptable abuse, and had been taken unawares by the responses to her initial feelings. Latterly I felt she could have been calmer & kinder given her position

of enormous influence and insulating wealth, but I never expressed that view. I remain a fan of her work and I am sad she has decided to have a go at me. For me to stick my head above the parapet is not without risk, I did it because I saw examples of disturbing bigotry.

Kirstie Allsopp Kirstie, I didn’t say a word about any abuse I’ve taken. I’ve always acknowledged that I’m in an extremely fortunate position regarding my freedom to speak. What I did was give you examples of what has happened to people who put their livelihoods on the line to try and prevent…