A Social Event

Let me remind everyone of the relevant legislation and the rationale behind the Register. You see, history is a powerful narrative, and certain images can have a very dangerous effect on a susceptible population. It was felt there was a genuine risk of ‘Direct or indirect incitement of hatred, anger or discontent’, and the part played by historical figures in ‘Inciting, encouraging, favouring, glorifying, considering, condoning, planning, threatening, envisaging, or imagining terrorism or any other antisocial behaviour’ was quite clear. And of course, we all share the common-sense principles whereby ‘Nothing shall be printed, published, promulgated, or uttered which might, directly or by influence, disturb public tranquillity or attack the values of the community or Western values in general.’ So, I’m afraid, we all have to make sacrifices for the greater good.

On a lighter note, we may not have fireworks but we do have the music festival this weekend: Care Aid—The Concert for Human Values. It’s a tremendous vision of a world community where everyone is treated fairly and there’s an end to global unhappiness. Sir Paul McCartney will finish, as always, with a rousing singalong of ‘Hey Jude’, with Sir Bob, Msgr Bono, Sir Cliff, Dame Geri, Sir Elton (whose ‘Candle in the Wind III’ always has tears streaming down everybody’s faces), and all the other Knight Errants of British music. Plus Latvia’s very own Rainbowz Children. This ambitious and laudable aim of persuading world leaders to care more has inspired people from all cultures throughout the wider global community and united supporters from every end of the political spectrum. The Pope, Prime Minister, our Royal Family, and other world leaders will be there lending their generous support.