So, on the one hand, it’s okay for the state to build (at great expense) a new class of ballistic missile submarines — just in case they’re needed in the future:

• UK nuclear weapons plan unveiled from the Beeb

On the other hand, though, sports fans mustn’t carry “very hard objects” — like, say, cricket balls — because they might be used to harm someone, or accidentally dropped:

• Cricket fan is caught with ‘lethal’ ball from the Times

Double standard? Of course not! The government’s position is entirely consistent: insulting and illogical behaviour is entirely justified by the imperative for state-provided security. The UK needs missile subs just in case another strategic nuclear threat emerges that can be fought by conventional means and against whom Cold War deterrence diplomacy can be made to work. The UK needs absurdly tight controls on personal effects which might be used as weapons (steak knives, cricket balls, screwdrivers… no doubt beer mugs will be next — or hands and feet) just in case someone tries to use them as such.