Celebrities taking part in this weekend's Olympic torch procession in London are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to protest at China's treatment of Tibet ahead of the Beijing Games. Sir Steve Redgrave, the rowing gold medallist, is among those whose position gives them the chance to take a stand. The protesters are entitled to make their voice heard provided they remain within the law.

The Government has apparently come under pressure from China to include a welcome for the torch at Number 10; having demanded such a high-profile reception, the Chinese authorities cannot be surprised if those who object to its odious humanrights record and crushing of demonstrations in Tibet, as well as its support for oppressive regimes in Sudan and Burma, are spurred on to protest.

There is no reason to believe that planned demonstrations will be violent: the Free Tibet organisation has emphasised the need to stay within the law. The Met must ensure that legitimate protesters are able to get their message across without undue restrictions. Anything else would be an affront to our tradition of free speech - a democratic right that China denies its own people.

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