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PM 'encourages' armed forces to wear uniform in public

07/03/2008

Gordon Brown says members of the armed forces should be "encouraged" to wear their uniform in public, despite reports of abuse against airmen in Cambridgeshire.

Officers at RAF Wittering said servicemen and women were being targeted on the streets of Peterborough by people opposed to the UK's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The reports led the base to advise airmen and women not to wear their uniforms while out in public.

Speaking from Downing Street, the prime minister expressed his 'absolute condemnation' for people who abused British troops.

"I condemn absolutely any members of the public who show abuse or discrimination to our armed forces," Mr Brown said.

"They should be thanked for the great job that they're doing, they should be encouraged to wear their uniform in public, they should be free to do so and the public will want to show their respect and gratitude."

Des Browne, the defence secretary, expressed disappointment at the locally-made decision.

"We must defend our forces' right to wear their uniforms in public," he said.

"It is a great shame that some individuals in this community don't respect our forces - who are daily doing a great deal for this nation.

"This is not a situation we should tolerate."

Mr Browne added: "I hope that by working closely with Peterborough city council and the local police, service personnel at RAF Wittering will soon be able to wear their uniforms freely about the town with the support of the local people."

Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox commented: "Of course the commander on the ground must make the final decision on these matters but I regret that the circumstances exist where a decision like this had to be made.

"I think that the majority of our public would be appalled to hear that there are no-go areas for our armed forces, even in their own country."