The scenes from Paris this week were not just a blot on French pride; they were a damning indictment of the European security model. As Champions League fans clashed with police and each other, the cost of continental complacency became visible in smashed windows and bloodied faces. Meanwhile, across the Channel, Britain’s approach to crowd control and policing stood in stark contrast. The bottom line is clear: when it comes to public order, the UK’s investment in robust, intelligence-led policing pays dividends.
Let us start with the numbers. The French government has allocated €1.2 billion for security at major sporting events since 2016. Yet, despite this expenditure, the riots on Saturday revealed a system in disarray. Police were overwhelmed, intelligence failed to predict the flashpoints, and the response lacked the surgical precision required to prevent escalation. In London, a similar event last year cost £800 million in policing and saw zero fatalities. The differential is not merely financial; it is philosophical.
Britain’s model relies on a blend of visible deterrence and covert monitoring. The Metropolitan Police’s Special Operations room, with its real-time data feeds from CCTV and social media, allows commanders to deploy resources with minimal delay. In Paris, the reliance on brute force and reactive tactics proved costly. The result? Capital flight from investors who view French instability as a risk premium. Gilt yields in London remain stable, while French bond spreads have widened by 15 basis points since the riots.
The European Union’s failure to harmonise security standards is a contributing factor. The Schengen area facilitates free movement, but it also allows troublemakers to cross borders unimpeded. Britain, having regained control of its borders, can vet attendees more effectively. This is not xenophobia; it is fiscal prudence. Every riot costs taxpayers in insurance claims, healthcare, and lost tourism revenue. The French taxpayer now faces a bill estimated at €400 million.
Central bank policy also plays a role. The European Central Bank’s reluctance to raise rates has fuelled inflation, exacerbating social tensions. In the UK, the Bank of England’s tighter monetary policy has curbed price rises, reducing the economic grievances that often underpin such unrest. The link between inflation and riot propensity is well documented. When your currency loses purchasing power, you are more likely to take to the streets.
Critics will argue that Britain’s approach is too harsh, that it infringes on civil liberties. But the data speaks for itself. Since the introduction of enhanced stop-and-search powers in 2020, football-related arrests have fallen by 30% in England. Meanwhile, in France, arrests have risen by 12%. The market for public safety is no different from any other: you get what you pay for. The UK has invested in intelligence, technology, and training. France has invested in show and little substance.
The bottom line is this: the Champions League riots are a wake-up call for the EU. Unless it adopts a more efficient, data-driven security model, the continent will continue to haemorrhage capital to more stable jurisdictions. Britain’s exit from the EU now looks less like a divorce and more like a strategic retreat from a sinking ship. The City of London breathes easier knowing that our streets are safe, our inflation is under control, and our police force is second to none. The French should take notes.
