IN SUCH a diverse and modern world as the one we now live in, not everybody is the same.

Dietary habits vary, religions are different and tastes have always been very much down to the individual.

It was with this in mind that the memo was sent out in the first place.

Among the items on the check-list were considerations over diets plus checking that arrangements fit in with the religious calendar.

For example, meetings should not be at sunset during Ramadan.

Other considerations included the suitability of venues for disabled people and the content of any act that is booked.

And if all these measures fail, there is even advice on how best to "challenge inappropriate behaviour."

Although the memo felt the wrath of a wealth of serving officers, who felt patronised, plus councillors and MPs, Lancashire Constabulary sticks by its advice.

A spokesman for the force said: "This was an internal memo.

"The advice being given is in line with our equal opportunities policy and was given in respect to ensure people do not behave inappropriately."

The Police Federation, the rank and file officers' union, said the memo was a gentle reminder of the things people sometimes forgot to take into account.

Spokesman Steve Edwards said: "This is about trying to encourage an inclusive society and we would support that. Sometimes people can be unintentionally exclusive and this is just a gentle reminder for people organising events to bear in mind different racial, social or religious backgrounds."

Many people felt that the points made in the memo were simply good advice - the sort of common-sense things that most people usually tried to follow anyway.

After all, it's only good manners to consider others' feelings and customs when you're inviting them to a function.

Maybe for most people the advice was unnecessary. Maybe the memo caused offence and bemusement to some officers and members of the public.

But surely these drawbacks are outweighed by the need to ensure formally that standards of conduct are upheld - especially where the police are concerned.

And Burnley MP Peter Pike added: "The police are being sensible. Care needs to be taken in view of what has happened in the past but I hope everyone enjoys themselves."

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