• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

MayorWatch

London News and Comment

  • NEWS
  • COMMENT
  • CONTACT
  • Twitter

Bush and Protesters Must Have Equal Access

November 11, 2003 - Martin Hoscik@martinhoscik

The security of visiting Heads of State is always a troublesome issue. The planned visit by President Bush is no exception. Mr Bush heads an administration which waged war on another country, supported at home but opposed by many of America’s traditional allies.

London was the scene of some of the largest demonstrations in Europe, the pictures of which were broadcast around the world. It is unthinkable that Bush would be unaware of views of the anti-war movement.

It is natural that the US security forces wish to be involved in the protection of their President. It is wrong of Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North and a Stop the War to talk of an “invasion of our capital by the Americans”. Longstanding arrangements will be in place covering such matters and there are reciprocal arrangements for when the British Prime Minister visits Washington.

The security arrangements for Mr Bush’s visit must reflect, and be equal in scale, to those imposed on US citizens during Mr Blair’s visits. President Bush is a guest of our nation. As hosts we have an obligation to ensure the safety of all our guests. No-one’s cause would be furthered by an attempt, successful or otherwise, on the life of the President.

However, Democracy was one of Mr Bush & Mr Blair’s reasons for removing Saddam and Democracy requires that UK citizens opposed to the actions endorsed by their Government be allowed to make their protests. Such protests should, in the best traditions of our City, be peaceful, well managed and properly policed.

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

RECENT UPDATES

Sadiq Khan announces extra £50m to clean up commercial fleets and taxis

Sian Berry selected as Green Party’s 2020 candidate for London Mayor

London Underground introduce new ‘Here to Help’ vests to boost staff visibility

Government awards London £7m for new electric buses




Popular

TfL urged to explore Tube station sponsorship deals after poll shows public backing

TfL confirms plans to axe of shorten dozens of London bus routes

Noise from London’s heliport could pose health risk to residents says study

Social housing tenants gain veto over estate demolitions after new City Hall rules come into effect

FEATURED

TfL planning return of annual fare hikes as agency looks to balance books following Crossrail delay

TfL set to extend Cubic’s contactless fares licensing deal after netting £15m in royalties in just two years

TfL warns budget cuts could force it to close key roads, tunnels and bridges

Transport for London tells board it lacks the cash to deliver Sadiq’s transport vision

GOT A STORY?

As the original London news and scrutiny site we've been casting an eye over the capital's public services and politicians since 1999.

 

Many of our top stories started with a tip-off from a reader - if you've got something you'd like us to cover get in touch and we'll do the rest.

Stay In Touch

  • E-mail
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2019 MayorWatch Publications Limited · MayorWatch is Registered Trademark · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.