Summit violence was 'about democracy', says Benn

The violent protests at the Gothenburg summit were "about democracy", says former left wing British MP Tony Benn.

Mr Benn, who gave up his Chesterfield seat at the last election, said the protesters highlighted issues which were at the root of a "cynicism" about politics.

He says the protests were symptomatic of a lack of consultation between Governments and their electorate on key political issues.

"It is about democracy - the real thing is about that," he said.

"If it hadn't been violent it wouldn't have been reported and I think a lot of people in protest realise to get any coverage you have to throw a brick, which is a great pity."

Two people were shot and more than 40 injured after a crowd of 1,500 engaged in running battles with the police during the two-day EU summit in Sweden, which ended yesterday.

He said: "We're being asked to endorse global capitalism where companies and the World Trade Organisation and the IMF and the Central Bank are more powerful than the people we elect - and that links to the turnout question."

But former Foreign Secretary Lord Hurd said that the violent protesters were "undemocratic and tyrannical" and must be dealt with firmly to allow European institutions to function.

He said: "Getting these summit meetings to work properly is going to be a very important part of the future of Europe and therefore dealing with these anarchist minorities firmly and clearly is going to be essential.

"There is nothing more undemocratic than trying to break up a meeting of democratic leaders by force. Nothing could be more undemocratic and tyrannical than that effort."