Should UK taxpayers pay for Papa visit?

[Flashman]

No taxpayers should not pay.

Football clubs are charged for the cost of policing of crowds. Whats the difference?

Was it a done deal under the previous Governemnt? Certainly has the stench of a Tony Blair legacy about it.

[minestrone]

Speaking as an atheist, I really don't see what the fuss is about. Whether you agree with his teachings or not (I definately don't), he holds significant faith-based representation of a large percentage of the world's population, so should be afforded due diplomatic respect.

The last time the Dalai Lama was in London, no doubt we picked up the tab for his security arrangements - and no-one batted an eyelid.

Okay, the scale is bigger, but the principle is the same. Either we have to become like North Korea and completely close our borders, or there are certain costs that have to be paid for - and hosting foreign dignatories is one of them.

As I understand it, the Catholic church are contributing to the cost of the papal aspects of the visit, so I'm quite happy with it.

Well said.

[minestrone]

No taxpayers should not pay.

Football clubs are charged for the cost of policing of crowds. Whats the difference?

Was it a done deal under the previous Governemnt? Certainly has the stench of a Tony Blair legacy about it.

Football clubs only pay a percentage of the costs (maybe 10%) and that is for police directly in the ground.

You argument does not stack up if you use that point.

[Zippy]

The Pope is a head of state so we should pay - whether you subscribe to a particular religion is irrelevant. I don't think Obama would get asked for his credit card when he visits.

[darmstadt]

AFAIK, anyone attending has to pay anyway and you can't go to see him if you're not a Catholic really:

Can I travel to an event on my own?

No, unfortunately not. You must be attached to a group from a Catholic parish to attend one of the public celebrations. Each group will be assigned a PILGRIM LEADER. The Pilgrim Leader will be present at the security points and will be able to vouch for the members of their group.

Won't get many converts that way will you?

You can donate to the 7 million its apparently costing...

Looking through my record collection I found this:

Living Legends

[minestrone]

Looking through my record collection I found this:

Living Legends

You're hard.