IT is clear there are high tensions over the possibility of the March For England returning to Brighton and Hove next year.

Last time it saw running battles between anti-fascist campaigners and nationalists, with 27 people arrested by police.

Aside from the astronomical cost of policing this event, there was the cost to the community.

Businesses were trashed and lives disrupted beyond measure as a result of the 2014 St George’s Day clash.

The actions of people on both sides were shameful. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

It is the opinion of this newspaper that both sides were as bad as each other.

Not for the first time have people suggested that the best form of protest, rather than hurling bottles and bricks like angry teenagers, would be to ignore the march entirely.

Another opinion is that opponents should stand silently to register their dim view of proceedings.

Let’s be realistic, though. When someone’s blood is up, that’s never going to happen.

The fact this event takes place at all is because of frustration.

Of course, people should be welcome to express their patriotism, providing it is done peacefully.

But anyone can see how parading nationalistically through the middle of our city is likely to rub left-leaning citizens up the wrong way.

So why do it? Why, out of all the possible places in the UK to “celebrate” being English, would you choose Brighton and Hove?

It might be better for all concerned if this parade was taken somewhere else.