MPs support calls for a €1m fund to be set up to help pay for security at controversial exhibitions and talks, but do not think the money should come from the culture budget, the NRC says on Tuesday.

MPs from the ruling Labour and VVD parties said on Monday the move would create a fund to ‘protect freedom of speech and freedom of expression’ by helping event organisers pay for scanners and security guards.

‘We spend millions on security at sports events so why should culture be regulated separately?’ D66 leader Alexander Pechtold said during the debate. ‘This is a job for the police and justice ministry.’