Thanks Chief Constable, But There's No Need to Apologise for Historic Wrongs on Our Behalf

Tom Wood, a former deputy chief constable, responds to Scotland's police leadership with measured disagreement about retrospective institutional apologies. He argues that officers of his generation enforced laws appropriately for their time and handled diverse communities responsibly.

Wood expresses pride in his former force's community outreach efforts, noting he maintains friendships within marginalised communities including the LGBT+ population. He emphasises particular work with vulnerable male sex workers around Edinburgh's Calton Hill.

The author contends that general apologies on behalf of past colleagues lack substance and frequently miss the mark. He shifts to criticise the Edinburgh Book Festival's decision to abandon sponsorship from investment firm Baillie Gifford under activist pressure.

Wood argues this capitulation demonstrates weakness that emboldens activists pursuing narrow agendas. He suggests bullies, regardless of cause, become more aggressive when facing minimal resistance. He advocates for stronger institutional pushback and greater public support for organisations defending unpopular positions.

The piece concludes by suggesting that major book festivals may be in decline, with smaller independent events organised by publishers and booksellers potentially filling the gap.