There has been a great deal said in recent weeks and months about bullying in our schools. Some schools have grasped the nettle and confronted bullying with policies designed to make bullying a lose-lose pastime.

No-one wins when bullying is allowed to enter the frame: it's a vicious circle. Those who are systematically bullied so often turn to bullying themselves as they get older, and sometimes into adulthood.

The Government says that it is committed to eradicating bullying in our schools. This is a laudable goal. But the eliminating of bullying does not require simple legislation, laws of themselves do not alter people's thinking.

If a young bully is determined to act out his, or her, malicious intent on others, then, in the first instance, there is little protection for the victim. Certainly punishment can follow, but by that time the damage is done: the injured party has been hurt both physically and psychologically.

The way to outlawing bullying lies on the map of education.

It is a narrow path that must be well trodden, there is no short cut. It is also a straight route, travelling as it does over mountains of misinformation and rivers of prejudice.

It is likely to encounter financial cul-de-sacs and institutionalised boundaries. However, with good will all round and a recognition that here is a problem needing sorting out, we could move forward with confidence.

But what does this Government, a Government determined to stamp out bullying, do? It lets into this country one of the biggest bullies around - Mike Tyson.

But Tony Blair, like Marcus Antonius, is an honourable man, and his Government reflects that honour.

His Home Secretary, Jack Straw, says that he doesn't want to disappoint all those who have bought tickets to see a boxing match.

This man, convicted of rape, for which he has been to prison for four years, and assault, disqualified for biting an opponent's ear and throwing a punch after the bell, is being allowed to enter this country.

The Home Secretary is worried about the poor boxing promoters who stand to lose millions of pounds, and Tyson himself who would lose up to £8 million.

Does Mr Straw think that the Americans would let in Gary Glitter?

I don't think so. What sort of role model is the Government promoting?

It is sending mixed messages to our youngsters. You can't come to Britain if you're a thug, but you are welcome if you're a wealthy thug.

I thought this sort of intimidation had been consigned to the scrap-heap of Thatcherism, but obviously all is well in that particular camp.

At the beginning of the week Mr Blair was suggesting that Tyson would only be allowed into the country on extenuating compassionate grounds.

Perhaps the only thing Mike Tyson is passionate about is his bank balance.

I believe the Government has scored an own goal with this decision. Where is the moral high ground in this matter? This seems to be another instance of if the price is high enough, never mind the cost.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.