British police must learn from France in dealing with Extinction Rebellion

I’ve always been a fan of the French police, in part because when I lived in the south of the country I played rugby in a team that contained a couple of coppers who told me stories of what they had to deal with on a daily basis. But I’m also a little partial to them because they do what it says on the tin: they police

I recall a summer’s evening in Montpellier a few years ago when two young drunks were causing a disturbance for diners and drinkers in a crowded square. The police arrived and manhandled the louts into their squad car, one of whom made the mistake of resisting arrest. As he was manoeuvred into the back seat the man’s head met the door frame. An accident? Mais oui, and one that drew a raucous cheer from diners.

The French police don’t mess about. Very occasionally, they may be a little heavy-handed but isn’t that better than half-hearted, which is what some British police appear to have become? There are still, of course, plenty within Britain’s rank and file who do a terrific job.