HMG replied to Lord Pearson

As readers of this blog recall, Lord Pearson's first Written Question in the new Parliament was covered by it and it concerned security at a putative Mohammed drawing competition. To my surprise HMG did not obfuscate too much in its reply.

The Question was:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to support a contest in the United Kingdom between artists depicting the prophet Mohammed, and if so, whether they will provide security protection for such an event.

The reply was:

The Government is not aware of any plans. The safety and security of an event is an issue for the event organisers in consultation with the police.

Could have been worse. Could have been stronger in support of law and order, as well, of course, but we cannot have everything.