As a Liberal, I actively encourage people to demonstrate when they see things they don’t like or approve of. And I love creative demonstrations that make their point in an imaginative way, that get people talking and debating the merits of an argument, whether I happen to agree with that view or not. So it takes quite a lot for me to write that a protest is just plain wrong.
But targeting someone’s children does cross that line. Which is why I think yesterday’s UK Uncut demonstration outside Nick Clegg’s home was unjustifiable.
First, interest to declare (beyond the party politics). Someone attacked my home in a very minor way last year. I’m a bit sensitive therefore about this sort of thing.
So when I’m told that this wasn’t a protest, that it wasn’t intimidating, it was a party, I beg to differ. If 400 people turned up for a “party” outside my house, blocking off the roads to prevent anyone getting out, specifically targeting the road because I lived there, I wouldn’t feel especially safe.
And this time it was UK Uncut. Suppose the BNP or EDL decide to do the same? Only in Ed Miliband’s road. Would Sunny Hundal and Laurie Penny still be cheerleading them from the sidelines? Or is this sort of action only OK if you agree with their politics?
And supposing they hadn’t targeted a party leader? Where is the line to be drawn? Mark Serwotka said of the protestors in Clegg’s road yesterday that “we applaud their innovative and inspirational action that takes the campaign right to the doorsteps of those responsible”. Well Mr Serwotka, by your own logic, that makes you fair game for the same treatment does it not? Would you be happy if 400 people turn up at your doorstep for a bit of a fiesta, closing your road and stopping your family leaving the house, because they profoundly disagree with your political views?
Indeed what of the 400 party goers themselves? Each took part in a political act yesterday. Should they be held to the same standards? Are their homes and their kids’ schools now fair game. I don’t think so. But by their own logic, they presumably do.
One Tory MP actively encouraged people to donate to the Lib Dems yesterday. But then Louise Mensch knows something about having your kids targeted. Those on the protest in Putney yesterday should think long and hard about the line they crossed. And whether they would really want the same treatment themselves.
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