It is worrying how stories of vigilante groups and mob riots in England have become almost normalised because of the Ulsterisation of British politics, warns columnist and Writer at Large Neil Mackay. We must strive to ensure the Scottish political system continues to fight it.

Britain's disengagement from decency is quite the morality tale. It’s a lesson in how the unacceptable can be parlayed into the acceptable at astonishing speed. All it takes is political cover - the words of politicians - to bring about the metamorphosis.

Consider the concept of vigilantism. There are now “vigilante groups” on English streets. Bournemouth police have “significant concerns” over a 200-strong group patrolling the town. LBC Radio reported that its leader “organised anti-asylum hotel protests and joked about shooting migrants”.

I’ve been in the news business for 35 years. Until recently, such stories would have been plastered over front pages, running endlessly on TV. Not anymore.

Or consider mob-rule. Far-right rioters are described as ‘patriots’ or ‘worried citizens with legitimate concerns’ by right wing newspapers and politicians.

We have lost the ability to denounce what we once denounced. Is it acceptable for a mob to gather outside hotels hounding other human beings, screaming at them, threatening them?

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No. It has never been acceptable. If we do accept it, we put our own head in a noose, as one day we may be part of a group in the crosshairs.

How do we know who will be the target for hate tomorrow or next month or next year?

Vigilantism........

© Herald Scotland