We wouldn't want anything to happen to them, after all

The Daily Express today apparently announced a massive and very expensive security crackdown at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton. between Sept 27th and Oct1st- I have not read the paper, - at first I thought that the report was some kind of hoax.

Brighton has a tragic history of violence to the governing party, so perhaps they go to even more pains to ensure security.

The newspaper announced that Operation Otter will involve:
For the duration of the conference police will seal off a secure island site around the Brighton centre, Hilton Metropole and Russell Road car park. They have already written to businesses and homes affected. Will there be compensation for businesses? Residents presumably will have special passes, and will not be under houses detention.

Squads of police officers will visit and conduct door to door interviews with many householders and workers in Brighton, whether these are 'merely' those living within the island or whether further afield in Brighton is not made clear. Those interviewed will be obliged to produce documentary evidence of identification - passports, birth certificates, driving licences, proof of employment and even names of referees who can vouch as to their character. The officers will also ask questions about religious affiliation and any connection with Muslim fanaticism.

I presume that other precautions will be taken,besides security at entrance doors, - sealing all drain gratings, inspecting closely all guest rooms for long time bombs, searching the Conference premises every day, and so on.

Some questions:
I assume that something similar will take place at the conferences of the other parties which follow the Labour one, or are they more expendable.

Whether or not the other parties "enjoy" the same protection, who is to foot the bill for all this? The sum must be colossal. I have a sneaking suspicion that although these are party conferences, and not government events, the cost will fall on the tax-payer. Otherwise the Labour Party could lose much support in Brighton and Sussex.

It's remarkable that when Alan Duncan and others complain that they are treated like "sh..ts", that we the taxpayers should honour them by paying so much for their safety.