It’s time to protest about these endless protests
Why do these Black Lives Matter and extreme-right counter-marches happen? I do not mean “Why?” in a deep, complicated sense – as in “What are the underlying social, economic and political causes?” I simply mean, “Why, exactly, is it possible for protestors to demonstrate in Parliament Square, Whitehall and Trafalgar Square in this way?”
The short answer is, “Because they are allowed to.” The consequent question is: “Should they be?”
As a general rule, peaceful demonstrations should be permitted, by prior agreement with the police to sort out problems such as traffic flow. But recent demos by Extinction Rebellion, Black Lives Matter and assorted quasi-fascist extremists show that these people cannot guarantee peace. Indeed, they seem to be looking for trouble. They should not be allowed to find it. The “right to protest” is not something that applies always in every place, any more than the right to vote means a daily excursion to the ballot box. The objections go in the following, ascending order.
First, demonstrations should not be allowed during the Covid-19 pandemic, for obvious reasons.
Second, the streets nearby are both workplaces and residential. If they become part of an almost daily semi-warzone, the quality of life and ability to work are seriously affected. In the years when I toiled away in the Treasury over Mrs Thatcher’s papers, many a day’s study was disrupted by the loudhailers yelling from the semi-permanent pen for one cause or another tolerated opposite No 10.
In the sky above – particularly wearying for residents at night or weekends – noisy police helicopters hover, watching and filming whatever march is going on, but not properly controlling it. Parking, public transport, even a straightforward walk, can be disrupted. The mobs leave litter and can be threatening to passers-by, especially those with young children.
Third, these streets and squares are the nearest our secular society has to sacred spaces. They have developed as commemorations of events and people important in our country’s story. From the National Gallery at one end to Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Supreme Court at the other, from square, to wide street, to square again, these places, buildings and monuments are for us all. Anyone allowed to take violent possession of them is stealing something important from the rest of us.
If crowds announced they wanted to enter a cathedral and the police feared they would attack the altar, the altar would not be boarded up: instead they would be kept away. Why should it be different with the Cenotaph, or the statue of Winston Churchill?
The final reason against such demos in such places is that they give the extremists the theatre they crave. Over-indulged by the media, they pretend to the country and the world that they represent vast swathes of opinion. After a bit, the country and the world become intimidated, which is the intention.
Sir Simon Mcdonald is the
permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office. He reportedly thinks that the statue of Clive of India which stands in the street outside his office should come down.
Clive has always been a controversial figure, but his victory in the battle of Plassey in 1757 – which could not have been achieved without the support of Indians against other Indians – was momentous. Not only did it secure British power in India, it also defeated the French (who fought against us that day). It played a great part in Britain’s triumph in the Seven Years War, which made us the top nation until the 20th century. If Sir Simon feels troubled by the presence of Clive, perhaps he should apply for a job at Quai d’orsay. French Lives Matter.
Meanwhile, another Sir Simon is hard at work. Sir Simon Mcdonald’s predecessor at the Foreign Office, Sir Simon Fraser, is a director and co-founder of a company called Flint Global. In this capacity, he has had a big consultancy contract with Huawei, the company which may or may not be bringing us our 5G networks.
“Dear Britain,” says Huawei’s advertisement in our national newspapers this week, “Keeping in contact with friends, loved ones and colleagues shouldn’t be hard. That’s why we’re making it easier to stay in touch.” That’s always nice to hear; but it was surprising not to find the word “China” anywhere in the text.
Which friends do the two Sir Simons keep in contact with most assiduously? How friendly is either of them to the interests of post-brexit Britain?
Feeling a little low at so much
complaining and conflict in the national media, my wife and I drove off to start a long, restorative walk one day last week. As we climbed up a steep country lane, our tyre caught the edge of the tarmac and was punctured. The edge was jagged because no repairs have been done since the winter rains swept away the earth that normally rises slightly above it.
Our gloom deepened. What happened next, however, was different. The AA, despite a recorded phone message about Covid chaos, arrived within 20 minutes. Its officer smilingly sorted matters out. During our wait in that not very busy lane, no fewer than four cars stopped to offer practical help. We sent them on their way with thanks since we knew rescue was at hand; but it was cheering to find a minor disaster producing a steady stream of good neighbours.