I've often wondered what I would do if I were a cop or a court guard. Would I be able to protect a guy who's on the stand for commit some terrible offense like murder or child molestation? Would I be able to escort a terrorist without putting a bullet in his brainstem? If I were a doctor, would I be able to treat a gang banger responsible for three or four fatalities when he comes in with a gunshot wound to the leg?

I like to think that if I were to take an oath "to serve and protect" or to heal without prejudice, then I would mean that oath with my whole heart, no matter ho much I disagree with the assignment. I like to think that if I say I'm going to escort a pedophile to court, I will do my utmost to make sure he arrives in one piece, and that if I am selected to guard the Saudi Arabian embassy, I will do so with my life. Otherwise, why would I even agree to be a cop or a doctor or whatever?

PC Alexander Omar Basha - a member of the Metropolitan Police's Diplomatic Protection Group - refused to be posted there [the Israeli Embassy in London] because he objected to Israeli bombings in Lebanon and the resulting civilian casualties of fellow Muslims.

In a move which has caused widespread astonishment at Scotland Yard, senior officers in the DPG agreed that that PC Basha should be given an alternative posting.

The officer, who carries a gun, is now thought to be guarding another embassy.

PC Basha is in the wrong line of work. The Royal Oath is to protect everyone in London - not just the ones he approves of. He should be immediately dismissed, and his superiors who allowed him to choose who he does and does not want to protect should be suspended without pay.

Ex-Met Flying Squad commander John O'Connor, said: "This is the beginning of the end for British policing.

"If they can allow this, surely they'll have to accept a Jewish officer not wanting to work at an Islamic national embassy? Will Catholic cops be let off working at Protestant churches? Where will it end? This decision is going to allow officers to act in a discriminating and racist way.

"When you join the police, you do so to provide a service to the public. If you cannot perform those duties, you leave.

"The Metropolitan Police are setting a precedent they will come to bitterly regret. Top brass granted his wish as they were probably frightened of being accused of racism. But what they've done is an insult to the Jewish community."