Religious mobs are a threat to British democracy

In a diverse democracy like Britain, which accommodates a variety of political and religious beliefs and practices, maintaining social cohesion will always be a challenge.

Such differences mean tensions are bound to emerge and our core democratic values will be tested. What matters is how our public institutions, parliamentarians and government respond to these disputes. Demonstrating leadership is critical.

No such leadership has been on show in regard to the protests in recent days outside cinemas across the country, demanding that screenings of the film The Lady of Heaven be banned.