David Vance SubstackRead More
Protest against political parties and political leaders is normal in all democratic countries. In fact it is a key marker of the political health of a Country that is tolerated. One does not have to agree with it but it should flourish if democracy itself is to prosper! Which brings me to the presence of this bus at the Labour Conference in Liverpool.
Now we can all choose whichever words we want to describe Starmer (!) but I don’t see the harm in Britain First, the political group behind this stunt, being allowed to drive it around the Labour conference. However, it was impounded by MERSEYSIDE Police and not permitted to be present anywhere near Labour.
Not all battle buses with political slogans on them are impounded. Back in 2016, this one toured the UK without any problems. Of course it was expressing an approved message that the State was happy about.
The issue is being presented by the Police and Home Secretary as one of the public use of a “swear” word, which “w*nker” could be seen as constituting. But that approach treats us all as children. In the context of politics, it has to deemed acceptable. By way of response, this banner was hung from a bridge over a motorway and invited people to honk their horns if they agree with the sentiment! Many did!
It is typical of the authoritarian thug in Downing Street that he does not permit any expression of contempt towards him. And in that regard alone, he is a w*nker!
