What therefore should be the British government's response, I think it should speak clearly and unequivocally in support of reform and the chance for people right across the Middle East to have a better life, a more democratic future.

BBC: Transcript of Douglas Alexander interview

He said 10% of the population "will say we're being heavy-handed and stretching constitutional rights, " while another 10% will support the NYPD unequivocally.

WSJ: NYPD Losing Its 'Four-Star General'