Time for Parliament to take a stand
James Forsyth 6:56pm
I’m normally slightly sceptical of the value of Early Day Motions; too few of them justify the £627,000 that they cost the taxpayer in 2005/6. But one put down today by Paul Goodman and Michael Gove, two of the most decent men in the House, makes an important statement:
"This House, recognising that freedom of speech within the law and freedom from violence and intimidation are indispensable preconditions of a free society, deeply regrets the decision of the Dutch Parliament and Government to withdraw protection abroad from Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the author, film-maker and former politician, and urges both bodies to reverse this decision forthwith."Personally, I don’t agree with everything that Ayaan Hirsi Alis has said—and neither do the MPs who’ve tabled this motion for that matter—but she has a right to her views and a right to express them freely. While there is a threat to her, she should be protected.
Previous
Comments
David Williamson
October 25th, 2007 8:16pmPersonally, I agree with everything Ayaan Hirsi Ali has said - though some of it is politically incorrect, I guess. She speaks from personal experience, and knows what she is talking about.