On the Today programme this morning Evan Davis, in that irritating faux-provocative way of his, argued that the rest of the United Kingdom might not be happy about helping to pay for policing loyalist parades in Northern Ireland (which require expensive police protection due to threats of violence by political terrorists pursuing irredentist republican claims to the six counties of British Ireland).
As a taxpayer I am prepared to endorse whatever expenditure is necessary to rebuff threats of violence and intimidation within the United Kingdom.
Let us look at comparable examples where this extra policing might be necessary.
Evan Davis is openly "out and proud" (to such an extent that his BBC colleagues make sniggering references to his nipple piercings). If threats of violence were made about the annual Pride marches through London would he be suggesting on air that the marches should be cancelled? If bombs were to be placed in Old Compton Street pubs would he insinuate on air that the rest of the population was fed up with paying to police this communal violence?
The Notting Hill "Carnival" is an extremely controversial parade that requires a great deal of police support. Many taxpayers would, if asked, be very reluctant to spend any money on this event. And yet we put up with the cost on the grounds that freedom of expression and self-identity must be respected.
Therefore there are no grounds, no grounds whatsoever, for cancelling any parades in Northern Ireland.
If threats of intimidation and violence are made the perpetrators must be confronted and forced (by the police) to back off.
Otherwise freedom everywhere is diminished.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-28145451
As a taxpayer I am prepared to endorse whatever expenditure is necessary to rebuff threats of violence and intimidation within the United Kingdom.
Let us look at comparable examples where this extra policing might be necessary.
Evan Davis is openly "out and proud" (to such an extent that his BBC colleagues make sniggering references to his nipple piercings). If threats of violence were made about the annual Pride marches through London would he be suggesting on air that the marches should be cancelled? If bombs were to be placed in Old Compton Street pubs would he insinuate on air that the rest of the population was fed up with paying to police this communal violence?
The Notting Hill "Carnival" is an extremely controversial parade that requires a great deal of police support. Many taxpayers would, if asked, be very reluctant to spend any money on this event. And yet we put up with the cost on the grounds that freedom of expression and self-identity must be respected.
Therefore there are no grounds, no grounds whatsoever, for cancelling any parades in Northern Ireland.
If threats of intimidation and violence are made the perpetrators must be confronted and forced (by the police) to back off.
Otherwise freedom everywhere is diminished.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-28145451
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