RAF uniform ban in Peterborough

Over recent months members of the Armed Forces have been encouraged to wear uniform in public. This was one of the first proposals leaked from the National Recognition Study set up last December to improve relations between the Armed Forces and the British public. The shameful events being reported today from Peterborough unfortunately seem to bear out concerns raised at the time about the vulnerability of servicemen in uniform on our streets.

That the CO of RAF Wittering should have to instruct his personnel not to wear their uniforms in public because of the likelihood of receiving verbal abuse, harassment and even physical assault, is a sad commentary on state of Britain after 10 years of nuLabour government - a land fit for heroes? The guys at RAF Wittering are soon to be deployed to Afghanistan where they will be risking their lives protecting British bases. Sure, it was probably only a few low-life who, fired up on cheap booze, felt brave enough to shout abuse at those serving their country but, as usual with this sort of behaviour, they've been allowed to get away with it. On the other hand, if someone wearing a burkha is taunted, the police wade in immediately to arrest the perpetrators. The RAF guys can take care of themselves, of course, but you can bet the local police would turn on them instantly should they retaliate.

Although this abuse has been going on for months, a spokeswoman for the local police said she "was not aware of servicemen being abused in Peterborough". At least Hash Brown has now told her to get aware and do something about it.

Link> Study says wearing uniform off duty is good PR
Link> The Times: Armed Forces should be encouraged to wear uniform
Link> The Guardian: Abuse forces RAF uniform ban
Link> The Sun: Fury at uniform ban for troops
Link> The Times: Military uniforms in public ‘risk offending minorities’
Link> The Sun: No Heroes Welcome