Increase in spending on counter-terror is welcome
IN THE wake of the Paris atrocity few would argue with the need to increase spending on counter-terror measures in Britain.
Osborne will raise counter-terrorism funding by 30%
Yesterday Chancellor George Osborne said that funding will go up by 30 per cent with money going to the police and the security services.
The prevention of politically motivated violence has been an important branch of policing in Britain since the 1880s and has become ever more important in recent decades.
Essentially counter-terrorism is about spying on and monitoring the activities of selected individuals.
When the threat seems at a low level there are always concerns about whether this will mean intrusion into innocent people’s lives and a breach of civil liberties.
Extra counter-terrorism funding could help to prevent Paris-style attacks in Britain
But when the threat seems at a high level then most of us would recognise that we have to sacrifice some freedoms in order to remain safe.
Demands for transparency from our security services also seem ridiculous at a time of heightened danger for if we do not know exactly what our people are up to then neither do the terrorists.
And that is exactly how it should be. Counter-terrorism in a democracy is difficult to get right.
We will not necessarily know what the extra billions will be spent on but this is one instance where voters do not need to see the accounts.
Digital Cinema Media agency has banned the 'controversial' advert
Just Pray campaign video
The Digital Cinema Media (DCM) agency, which handles British film advertising for the major cinema chains, Odeon, Cineworld and Vue, has refused to screen a Church of England commercial featuring the Lord’s Prayer, which is intended to encourage people to pray.
DCM fears that some viewers may be “offended” by an ad with religious content. The fact is most of us pray when times get tough, whatever faith we subscribe to.
The events of recent days have seen many calls to prayer. Indeed people with no faith at all will sometimes say a prayer, just in case.
The commercial is, it should be stressed for the power of prayer itself, not the CofE. The agency should reconsider its decision.
It is most unlikely that anyone will be offended by something so mild and well-meaning. And if they are so bothered then they can go and buy a tub of popcorn while it’s on.
Think we're set for a white Christmas? Put your money where your mouth is!
Should you be betting on a White Christmas then you’re not the only one. The bookies are busy already. Usually we are sadly disappointed but what is Christmas if not a triumph of hope over experience?