UK: Islam march against British troops 'offensive', says Brown

People react as the hearse carrying the body of Lance Corporal Adam Drane, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment passes mourners lining the High Street on December 15, 2009 in Wootton Bassett, England.


The Islamic march is organised by the Islam4UK group - who have as their stated vision to bring the UK under Islamic Shari'a law. Likely what offends others is of little importance - to this group.


Gordon Brown has condemned plans by a controversial Islamic group to stage a march through Wootton Bassett - the town synonymous with honouring soldiers killed in Afghanistan - as "abhorrent and offensive".

In a statement, the Prime Minister said the Wiltshire town has assumed a "special significance" in the life of the nation which should be respected.

"I am personally appalled by the prospect of a march in Wootton Bassett," he said.

"I believe that we as a nation should honour those brave servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

"Wootton Bassett has a special significance for us all at this time, as it has been the scene of the repatriation of many members of our armed forces who have tragically fallen.

"Any attempt to use this location to cause further distress and suffering to those who have lost loved ones would be abhorrent and offensive."