Why getting tough on rioters is the Liberal thing to do

I am a Liberal, I believe in the right to protest. I've done it. Of course the right to carry out your lawful business, to feel safe in your home, to go to work etc are all rights just as important as the right to protest. Let's not forget, as people have the absolute right to protest, they have a right to not be involved. When your street is on fire or your business being ransacked - you're involved.

 What we saw in London (and Birmingham) last night wasn't a protest.

 You can tell a protest from a riot. Protestors carry placards, they have a cause. Lets face it there is no point protesting unless the wider public know the cause for which you are protesting. Another difference is people are proud to be seen fighting for their cause. They don't wear balaclava's or cover their faces in scarfs or hoods to avoid recognition, they want to be seen, heard and win support and sympathy for their campaign.

 Of course the police have a hell of a job when a few idiots join a protest for personal gain or thrill seeking. The G20 and student protests were hard to police for that reason. The Police knew the vast majority had the sole intention to peacefully make their point. In big crowds it is hard to distinguish the protester from the criminal. The criticism the Police had after those events have no doubt played on the minds of senior Met' Officers this week.

It shouldn't - Last night was different. I couldn't see any protest or campaign, just vandalism, arson and abuse being hurled at the Police and members of the public.

 Standing up for the rights of individuals against oppression from the state or any other body is a Liberal belief. If our nation was invaded by a foreign army, we would defend our rights using force if needed. Last night our city streets were invaded by an army of idiots, we should use more force if that's what it takes to defend the freedoms of the people of London and other cities.