Sign of contempt

A ban on the use of Nazi symbols across Europe might seem attractive, especially in light of Prince Harry's recent distasteful exploits, but it is not something that the European Commission ought to be considering. A federation of liberal democracies such as the EU ought to tackle dangerous ideologies though education and argument, not through bans. The existing German ban on Nazi insignia exists for obvious and understandable reasons. Outlawing swastikas in the rest of Europe would simply generate far-right "martyrs" and create kudos for defying the law among certain loathsome sections of society.

A ban on the use of Nazi symbols across Europe might seem attractive, especially in light of Prince Harry's recent distasteful exploits, but it is not something that the European Commission ought to be considering. A federation of liberal democracies such as the EU ought to tackle dangerous ideologies though education and argument, not through bans. The existing German ban on Nazi insignia exists for obvious and understandable reasons. Outlawing swastikas in the rest of Europe would simply generate far-right "martyrs" and create kudos for defying the law among certain loathsome sections of society.