4:48pm Monday 16th March 2009
By Martin Buhagiar
WHETHER you agree with the war in Iraq or not, our soldiers, who serve our country and interests so bravely, deserve all the praise they get.
Turning against them is almost like abusing the entire police force because a member of your family was – rightly or wrongly – arrested. The officers are simply doing their job.
I guess I am preaching to the converted but the events of last week’s protests during the Royal Anglican Regiment’s march in Luton will live long in the memory.
By contrast, a march by the same soldiers in Watford was impeccably observed. So where does the blame lie?
Some were surprised by Bedfordshire Police’s decision to allow the protest to go ahead in Luton.
However, had the force denied these extremists the right, human rights groups would no doubt have argued that they were being denied their right to air their views in a democratic society.
However, the protesters and another British organisation with extreme beliefs, must be rubbing their hands with glee.
The protest achieved the desired effect as far as the placard-waving fanatics were concerned – it has dominated the headlines for a number of days.
The fact that a number of white, British men – who took offence and attempted to confront them – were arrested is just the cherry on the cake.
Enter the BNP. Up and down the country the far right party’s cronies will be telling those who perhaps feel let down by the Government, society, whoever that this is the future.
I can imagine the next BNP leaflet: “They protest, we respond and we are arrested”. And so on.
The only winners are groups like al-Muhajiroun – which has not, as some claim, disbanded – and the BNP.
Both will use such events in their next recruitment campaigns.
Little has so far been made of the group of Muslim elders who stood next to war veterans applauding.
Those I have spoken to say they were sickened by the banners used by the demonstraters…“Butchers of Basra”, “Baby killers” etc.
But why are they so surprised? Such slogans are carefully put together with the sole aim of causing as much offence as possible.
Those holding the placards know the soldiers will not see them as they march by. They are aimed at you and me.
I interviewed Sayful Islam, the local leader of al-Muhajiroun several years ago and he openly praised those involved in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
So should we really care what he and his mates think? They are entitled to their opinion and will use our democratic society to abuse it.
That is what gives us the moral high ground.
More than 99 per cent of the crowd in Luton applauded, chests puffed out with pride and St George’s flags billowing in the breeze.
Those who approached the demonstraters and began chanting “In-ger-land” gave them exactly what they wanted.
Snarled faces yelling football songs, looking every inch the terrace football thug. Such scenes will be shown to young, impressionable Muslims and they will be asked: “Do you believe you fit in with that crowd?” Lo and behold, another young man with extreme beliefs is born.
People have called for treason to be re-introduced but that will only lead to more protests.
So where do we go from here?
In multi-cultural towns like Luton, a lot of money is being invested to ensure that the next generation of Muslims have more moderate beliefs.
This 20-strong group would have been planning this protest for months, so the fact that only a small number turned out just shows how much support it has.
Those offended need to realise that they want you to keep the hate inside, bottled up like them.
They would love nothing more than seeing a British man or woman deciding to vote for the BNP in protest at what some perceive as Labour’s all too liberal laws.
They want the conflict, they thrive on the hate and the more they get the more they will seek.
It is down to us to watch on from a distance and let the authorities police them. Many such extremists have no job and no prospects.
The only tie they have is with their group, a gang that makes them feel in-touch, important and involved.
There is a pressing need for the Government to educate the people such groups seek so that 20 becomes 15 by next year, then nine and then three.
The same mosque elders who applauded our soldiers on their return will play their part and we need to play ours.
Feel pity instead of hatred and sympathy instead of despair.
It is ironic that such groups thrive on the level of freedom they get in a democratic society. Sadly the irony is lost upon them.
And as Private Rikki Maling, who we interviewed in Watford, put it: “People have their opinions. To us, the amount of support in Luton was astonishing. Everyone was cheering from the off. The protests were drowned out.”
Now we need to make sure that their voices are not heard by young men who will feel even more cut off from society if offended Britons turn to the BNP.
I WAS invited to Harpenden Lions Club’s charter evening on Saturday night and had a wonderful time. In the current economic climate, it is incredibly refreshing to see a group of volunteers continuing to give their all as they look to support local and national charities.
Their dedication and professionalism really is an inspiration to us all.
In these hard times charities and charitable groups need our help more than ever. Let’s not let them down.
Martin Buhagiar, Editor
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