Times Online - Stamping out the swastika

A EUROPEAN ban on swastikas and other symbols used to incite racial hatred, prompted by the outrage over Prince Harry’s wearing of a Nazi uniform, will be proposed today as part of measures to combat racism. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, and European ministers will meet in Brussels to debate the ban, which lies in the balance after severe disagreement between governments. Some countries, notably Germany and Austria, already ban Nazi symbols and would like to see the ban spread across the European Union. Britain has insisted that it is not necessary. The ban probably would cover all symbols used to generate hatred, including “white power” signs and the SS symbol of Hitler’s security police. The European Commission, the European Union executive, proposed the ban last month, causing a fierce debate.