Abuse Of Returning British Soldiers Reminder Of Problems In UK

Centre For Social Cohesion:

This is a guest post from CSC Research intern Gabrielle Nejad.

What should have been a parade to celebrate the arrival of those soldiers safely returning home from their duties, has instead been held up as an example and reflection of the growing frustrations and divisions deeply embedded within our society. Following the protests in Luton against the British soldiers serving abroad, more violence took place over the weekend via a counter-protest.

The original demonstration, held in March of this year, was led by followers of Al us-Sunah wal Jamaa’ah, a minority group of Islamic fundamentalists headed by Anjem Choudary. It is a spinoff of al-Muhajiroun, a group disbanded in 2004 who have glorified terrorism and espoused dangerously anti-Semitic sentiments. With banners donning the words:  “Anglian Soldiers: Butchers of Basra”, “Anglian Soldiers: cowards, killers, extremists” and “British Government Terrorist Government”, as well as hurling verbal abuse at passing soldiers, this group ensured their message was heard loud and clear.

The abuse (albeit by a small minority) that the returning soldiers received on their return was so blatantly wrong and undeserved that it was difficult not to feel outraged, and some kind of backlash seemed inevitable. However as seen from the Luton riots and the backlash last Sunday, the reaction that did take place only served to add fuel to the flame and exacerbate the growing hostilities and delicate situation that Britain is faced with. The reaction, however, of 500 protesters with slogans such as “no Sharia law in the UK” and terrifying Asian restaurant workers, only served to demonstrate how not to oppose al- Muhajiroun and its cronies. Such a reaction can only be condemned.

The problem lies in that political correctness has nipped any rational discussion on immigration and its consequences straight in the bud; it has made such discussions almost taboo. It’s just too easy to put your foot in it. Until the condemnation and right-wing connections that are implicated from the word ‘immigration’ are removed, such discussions will not take place. But more than that, tolerance for the BNP will prove to be more widespread as they gain the ear of those fed up with the current status quo.

It has been argued that “the growth of the BNP and Islamism are essentially two sides of the same coin.” Actions of the latter cause a reaction in the former .The lack of desire, or perhaps more bluntly, uncomfort and almost fear of speaking about immigration has left a vacuum that the BNP is only too happy to fill. One would be more inclined to speak on issues such as immigration without feeling inhibited by the thought of being labelled a xenophobe or a racist. Extreme fringe groups such as Al us-Sunah wal Jamaa’ah are portrayed as representing the majority, when in fact, the opposite is true. However, the BNP preys on such notions and sells the fear and resentment that such sentiments allow for.  Yes there are issues with immigration and yes there are issues with Islamic fundamentalists. However, the answer does not lie with the BNP.