Last night's New York Knicks game was more than a basketball match. It was a political event. With Donald Trump in the crowd, the arena buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension.
The former president's presence drew cheers and protests, a stark reminder of America's deep divisions. For UK security officials watching from across the pond, it offered a glimpse into the future of major event policing. London's Metropolitan Police have already taken notes.
The challenge is balancing free expression with public order. The costs are mounting. Overtime for officers, extra barriers, and surveillance all add up.
Meanwhile, the taxpaying public foots the bill. In the North, where I'm from, we know the price of a pint and the cost of a ticket. We also know that security isn't free.
As London gears up for its own high-profile events, the lessons from New York are clear. You can't put a price on safety, but someone always pays.
