So when Mr Lo highlights the injuries of the man who suffered 40 per cent burns to his body, I am disgusted by his indifference to the attacks on vulnerable Hongkongers by our government over these months. Mr Lo repeats the police characterisation of the incident as attempted murder, but the same police arrested a university student carrying laser pointers, which they deemed an offensive weapon, while a taxi driver who drove his vehicle into protesters was not immediately charged.

As Christmas festivities get under way and the brave fighters of democracy get into the party mood, perhaps they might pause to remember others facing a bleak Christmas. For example, the family caring for the man with horrendous burns, set alight by protesters. They might spare a thought for the family mourning the death of an elderly father killed by a brick during a clash between protesters and their opponents or the hundreds, maybe thousands, unemployed after their shops, restaurants and businesses were destroyed by arson, vandalism or an absence of customers. They might all, belatedly, feel a little ashamed. But I would not bet on it.