VIOLENT PROTEST

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31783, 13 September 1968, Page 15

VIOLENT PROTEST

Grimond’s View (N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, September 12. The former Liberal Party leader, Mr Jo Grimond, said yesterday violent demonstration was replacing traditional party politics as the means of achieving social reform in Britain. Conservatism was deeply ingrained and the conventional wisdom of the ruling hierarchy so negative that in Britain it was very doubtful if necessary social reforms could be achieved by ordinary democratic methods, he said.

“Politics in Britain are not about socialism versus Conservative or Liberal, but about Government versus Government.

“We are witnessing the gradual decline of the party system in Britain ... it is no wonder there is widespread dissatisfaction among the young and the temptation to action, not words, is increased,” Mr Grimond said. Mr Grimond said it had been proved time and time again that useful reforms could only be achieved in Britain by force, after argument had failed. India and Ireland would never have obtained freedom from Britain without violence, and even the latest student protests had won more by sit-ins than by reason, he said.