There's yet another row about religious jewellery; this time an employee at Gloucester Royal Hospital has left rather than give up wearing her crucifix to work.

The hospital said it was for health and safety reasons that she shouldn't wear a cross on a chain, and that she could keep it in her pocket, but no, the faith must be proclaimed.

I don't get it: it is not as if these women – they usually are women – are being persecuted for their faith.

Why does there have to be an outward sign that they are Christian, would they be any less religious if their cross or ring was hidden from sight? It's baffling.