Excellent - it's OK to abuse people in the street because of what they wear? The onus is on them to remove the offending garment? Does this only apply if white people are the target?

Alan, Edinburgh,

No one has said who is treating military personell this way,but they must be a bit thick,i am ex-military and was never given any choice of what theatre of war was the correct one to go into,it is all down to the government to take the hit for being in unpopular war zones.

L.Shaw, Vancouver Island, Canada

Makes you proud to be British. Our right honourable leaders have worked hard to put Britain where it is today, but they are not sitting back contentedly. Oh no! There is so much more to come. Britain has only just started down the path to oblivion.

Mike Pouilsen, Reading, Berkshire

If the good people of Peterborough were to insult people in Islamic dress they would be arrested and locked up!

Nick, London,

Shame on you Robert Tenns.

Sonny Bravia, Newcastle,

What do the government expect? I'm
I don't support the wars in iraq or afghanistan because they are illegal and we shouldn't be there - I'm not going to say 'well done' to a uniformed serviceperson. The servicemen and women, unfortunately, are being used by the government as poor pawns in an attempt to popularise the wars. I respect the bravery and sacrifice by members of our armed forces but if I meet one of them in public I'll let them know my views on these illegal wars, after all that's freedom of speech isn't it?

pete harrison, canmore,

What a sad day. my husband served in Afghanistan to provide freedom of speech and help the fight of terrorist activities in THIS COUNTRY. These people abusing service personnel should go and meet the victims of the London bombing s and the grieving relatives left behind. They should also spend some time at Headley Court in Surrey where the rehabilitation of those forces personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan are trying to piece back their shattered minds and bodies. Politicians start wars not those who are sent out there. Alternatively send them to me..a service wife of 24 years experience who would be happy to hold a frank and non PC discussion with those who clearly do not have a clue how to
value the worth of those who may give their lives in order for the abusers to state their pernicious views !!

Webb, Norfolk, UK

Thati s a shame. Servicemen having to hide from the very people they serve and sacrifice for. Americans revere our soldiers. Soldiers often find strangers have paid for their meals when they go pay their bill in restaurants, or airlines upgrade them to first-class no questions asked. Receiving simple thank you from passing strangers. Maybe you can learn from America in this regard

Eric, Raleigh, usa

Do police wear their uniforms on a Sunday to go to the pub or cinema? Do firemen attend Burns night celebrations in uniform? Do paramedics parade at picnics in uniform?
Of course`The Defence Secretary said that the right of Forces to wear their uniforms in public needed to be defended' I agree.
Gordon Brown and Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, tried last night to overturn the ban(on uniform in public)
What a nonsense to force military people to wear uniform when not on duty.

Bill, Gawler, Australia/S.A

It is very disappointing to see this and maybe highlights a growing trend in this once great nation: the inability to be objective. Sure, there are many reasons why we should not be in Afghanistan or Iraq but the military did not make the decision to go there, that was Parliament. Additionally, when you join the Armed Services you accept that you will be sent where you are needed and that decision will not be yours. I don't think many would choose to go to such places but are professional enough to do the job for which they are trained in conditions most of us cannot imagine.

Besides, it is not just the Armed Services who get abuse: Fire Officers, Ambulance personnel, Police, in fact, any who wears a uniform or represents authority, even if they are there to help you! I am a Police Officer and whilst I accept a certain amount of abuse will be hurled at me, I cannot work out why anyone would attempt to assault or abuse the Fire Brigade or Ambulance.

Makes me very sad ,,

Mike, Pinner, UK

i remember once upon a time when it was a criminal offence to abuse anyone wearing the uniform of Her Majesty, so in this case just what are the police doing about it as the abuse in such an area as Peterborough could soon lead to becoming violent and where does it all end when the forces are fighting on the streets of their own homes ?

Clinton Simpson, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Wearing uniform in public has been discouraged since the terrorist threat in the early/mid 70s. What is so different now. By all accounts the terrorist threat is even higher than before (the IRA wasn't into suicide missions, or beheading hostages) so why the change of policy. Wouldn't be a government scramble to DO something?

Most serviceman are proud of their service, and their uniform, however, they also have a great deal of common sense, and don't need to be encouraged to bail out the government.

jimd, Norwich, uk

The gentleman from Virginia hit the nail on the head, this country has gone to the dogs. There's no discipline any more. I’m afraid it’s partly down to a weak government and ‘do good-ers’ having all the say. No wonder people are leaving this country in droves. However all this complaining will fall on deaf ears as nobody really cares, it’s all me me me. Just look at the recent revelations regarding MP’s claims for expenses. God help our children’s children.

Frank, Manchester, England

Have the Government not got enough to do, running things with the economy etc., without trying to tell people what to wear. If I was in the military (thank God I am not) I would be only too happy to get out of my work clothes and into something comfortable, cool, trendy or whatever my taste. Next, they will be telling us we all have to wear white knickers, no shocking red for us, or lovely blue! This country of mine has gone to the dogs, and every little thing like this that I read just convinces me of it more and more.

marina, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

This is an effect of the multicultural, PC state we live in. Let them wear it and let them take maters into there own hands if someone has a problem with it. Oh and can we please have a competent FULL TIME Defense Minister!

Dean, Southampton, England

Whilst I cannot understand abuse towards the armed forces, asking us to celebrate their return from war seems like an under-hand way of asking us to support the war itself.

Pete, Falmouth,

I disagree with te war in Iraq but I'd NEVER take it out on ordinary service people. They are brave people putting their lives at risk for some one else's stupidity. They are also the people who have done their best to protect us from terroism and other problems such as the fire fighter's strike and drug smugglers.

Luke Nicolaides, London, UK

The Station Commander is wrong and this should never have reached this point. These abusers should have been rounded up by the Military Police and taken back to RAF Wittering for questioning, the fiercer the better.

Serena, Ross-on-Wye, England

Clive, Surrey. Of course the public can voice their concerns directly to their MPs. All MPs have email and surface mail addresses, they also hold surgeries in their constituencies. I don't think any member of the armed forces is expecting to walk down the streets being shaken by the hand every step of the way, but verbal abuse for doing their job is something else. Presumably you would feel it okay to abuse all builders, plumbers and electricians because they are all cowboys, all of the unepmloyed because they are benefit cheats, all immigrants because they are illegal?

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

Last week I was on a plane and sat next to me was a Bradford soldier serving in IRAQ,during discussion he told me how upset he was by the treatment received by serving personnel returning home on leave.He said that even when wearing full uniform on his return the only people that speak to the him are DRUNKS and DRUG Addicts!!!!!! asking him what it is all about?he went on to describe just how bad things were in BASRA and wished someone like the actor ROSS KEMP would vist them to highlight their plight.He was serving on the front line and had seen some terrible things.This young man loved serving his country his only request was that we the British Public lend more support to serving personnel. NOT MUCH TO ASK IS IT?

Mary E Hoult, Leeds , Yorkshire

But who are these people "from a cross-section of the community?" are they Muslims?

Paul, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

Everyone is quick to jump on the bandwagon and label the abusers as 'muslim' or 'non white'. Wake up people! the abuse our armed forces are getting is mainly from 'white' people(the english) who have woken up to the fact that going to war was the wrong decision. Stop stereotyping the majority of muslim people who live and work in this country into some sort of abusive and non conformist part of society.

Mo, Staffordshire, England

I wonder what Douglas Bader would have done about this ?
I also notice how the powers that be have failed to specify just what section of the population are responsible for the abuse.

Mike, Dunstable, England

I would like to join Sean from Oz in asking who the perpetrators of this abuse are. Whoever it is, their behaviour could be construed as treachery in some nations, and even here that's about as serious as it gets. I know I can depend on a paper with the integrity and fearless reporting reputation of The Times to discover who these people are and to ask them, robustly, why they abuse the people who fight on their behalf as Englishmen and women.

Mike Collins, Chelmsford, England

Isn't it time the scourge of 'political correctness' was banned for the harm (fear, anger, paralysis of so much that is good, destroying our culture etc.) it is causing our society?

Tim Boaden, Bury, England

Only under Labour.....what do you expect

Phil, Phil,

God bless the troops, our heroes!

Clare, Manchester,

So there we have it. The CO of RAF Wittering can be bullied into submission by being called a few nasty names. I'll sleep so much safer knowing that my security is in such able hands.

RJA, Nottingham, Dis-UK

Whatever any of us think about war, wherever it may be, this has no bearing on attacking individuals in the street.

If someone were to attack a Muslim in the street and shout abuse as them for the attacks of 9/11 etc surely this would be an outrage and would be considered to be racially motivted. Why then to we not consider any attacks on our Armed Forces to be in the same vein?

I would not think of directing my opinions on the various conflicts around the world to individuals, as has been said previously any opinions of this scale should be directed at Westminter and followed though at the voting stations.

Verbal and physical attcks on our armed forces, doing this dangerous job for all of us should not be treated with such utter dis-respect, its a disgrace!

Kelly, Leicester, UK

In a democracy the Armed Forces do what they are told - god help us otherwise. If you don't agree with Government policy write to your MP, campaign, demonstrate etc. But to attack those who serve our democracy is an act of cowardice.

That said, this Government, and certain of their friends amongst the great and good, has spent the last ten years discouraging any form of patriotism or love of country i.e. any sense of community. And we are now having to live with the consequences and watch Britain slowly collapse into a morass of self-hate.

Mark, Berkhamsted,

the current political elite is guilty of treason and the result is we have now lost control of the lands we were so supposed to hold in trust for future generations. We the indigenous British people are now foreigners in our own lands.

Neil McAllister, Chessington, Surrey

I would have thought that any member of the armed forces would be able to take the abuse without retort. Remember he/she has been trained not to be a wimp. The fact that they are getting abuse is a sorry state of affairs. They should be honoured and respected for the work they do whether WE like it or not. If some people dont like them then thats tough on them. Shame they cant be given a clip round the ear like we got in the 50s

Robbie McAndrew, Marford, Wrexham

Once more we lose ground to the stealthed Muslim invasion force. I'm really getting sick of this, this whole issue is a powderkeg waiting to explode and when it does people will be asking why it happened in the first place and the only answer can be multiculturalism and immigration. Putting immigrants rights before those of our own people is just madness!

Rob Lindsay, Wallasey,

Just as it is the right and choice of those serving to do so, it is the right and choice of those against such service to voice their disquiet.

Mark, Ex, UK

Isn't this victimisation? If these same people were being harrassed for wearing a hijab or even for having ginger hair or spectacles there would be public outcry. Last night on Question Time Ed Miliband said that some people thought the Country was 'Going to Hell in a Hand Cart'............I wonder why !!??

Carol, Leicester, UK

Certain sections of the media for example the BBC take a political line on our intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan, meaning, in their opinion it is a war against Islam, this war is illegal, Western troops are killing hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, and of course the Israeli American bogey man and conspiracy theory feed these assertions. Oh, and most of the country are against our interventions. THESE are the OPINIONS of the press which, in my view feed the prejudices of a signicant section of the Muslim community in the UK.

Our troops would NOT be engaged in conflicts if those conflicts were illegal. Islamic terrorists need to be stopped, they were/are being trained in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their hatred is easily traced back to Wahabism an extremely, violent, and hate filled form of Islam which Osama bin London and his followers practice and which we see signs of regularly through criminal trials which are reported on through the media.

james higgins, Derby, England

If I saw members of the armed forces in uniform I think I'd be inclined to buy them a round of drinks. I think many people would as there is an appreciation and admiration of what these guys do.

Dil, Gravesend, UK

Thank you to all the military personnel out there doing what I could never do. I am truly grateful.

Thankful, of the UK,

I will give you the ingredients now you bake the cake. Multiculturism, Community cohesion, Immigration and Britishness. Oh and pick your own name for the cake.

Cromwell, Leeds, England

This week on ITV news i watched an handsome young British soldier with his excellent humour making all the troops laugh, before the clip ended we were informed that just two weeks earlier he had been blown to pieces by a Taliban bomb, his family had given their permission to allow the showing of this film their son at work and play in Afghanistan. what a loss to my country the life of this soldier.is, now to hear of abuse by the moslems in Peterborough just about sums up where this nation is now, these people should be found and punished if proven then deported back to their own land.
The or else...is becoming an option!

Veronica, Doncaster, England

Well said RAF Officer, Carterton!

Linda, Berwick upon Tweed, UK

I have read all the above and feel saddened that all the comments are from people with european sounding names.
My son has just returned from a tour of Afghanistan and I am appalled that this state of affairs can be allowed to continue by this self serving government, I am referring to the incident where a solidier, recovering in hospital from injuries, had to be transferred because of abuse he received whilst in there.
When the indigenous population of this country overcome their apathy and see beyond the smoke and mirrors, it may once again become a decent country to live in.

Ken, Newport,

M. Williams, Oxford, U.K.

again m. williams you have missed the point its not the guys on the grounds choice on where they go and its also not there choice not to fight as its classed as disertion and carry's a jail sentance ( unless you would like to serve it for them ?)

yes you can be against the war and i know there is alot of people in the forces that do not agree with the government but they do there job professionally.

but this is the british way of doing things , complain and shout at the little guy that has no influence instead of going higher up.

kenneth, dundee,

There are a few on this site who need to be reminded, you give your opinions on this site courtesy of all who died in WW2. If it had not been for these people who fought and died, you would not be able to walk free and speak your mind. The armed forces do not go where they want, they go where they are told, and if they decide they don't want to do that, then it's a court marshall, and they go to prison. Can your small brains comprehend that. The thing is Iraq and Afghanistan should be the least of your worries, it's Kosovo you should be really worried about, very worried.

preddo53, Leeds, UK

But the Peterborough incidents highlight concerns that some sections of the British public may be openly hostile to the proposals.

By 'some sections' means the muslims so why pussyfoot around it and just say so? I am sick and tired of the pandering of the press to muslim sensibilities at the expense of our own culture.

Viv, London, England

Whatever next? Police officers told not to wear uniforms in order to avoid criticism? Whatever the rights and wrongs of individual campaigns, our uniformed services carry out vital work in arduous conditions, usually at hourly rates the rest of us would call derisery. Contrary to portraits in some of the popular press, life in the services is not a barrel of fun. Long hours, poor conditions, stressed marriages all add to the constant strain of waiting to be told to be ready to 'ship out' for active service at short notice. Encorage these men and women to wear uniforms on our streets, and if necessary to support the police, and our streets will at least feel safer for everybody. I suspect there is a hidden reason behind this decision, fear of having our service people identified by cowardly terrorists, who will then target their families and friends. The point still remains, there is no excuse for giving in to intimidation!

Ron, Milton Keynes, Bucks

The majority agree the wars were illegal. So this country is involved in illegal wars. Don't Iraqi's have the right to resist an illegal occupation? So why are they then labelled terrorists for doing so? Surely they are soldiers carrying out their duty too?

But wait... we get around this by not giving them prisonar of war status if they are captured. Queue rendition programe, Guantanamo etc.

(The puppet regimes brought into government in Iraq and Afghanistan are alo illegal, therefor carry no legal weight).

Dave, London,

From what I gather (from other new services) this decision was made some 12 months back as a result of ONE report of verbal abuse some 15 months back...

Martin, Poole, UK

So are we going to start issuing common murderers and rapists with uniforms too, so that they can be venerated by the public ?

Why should I admire those who have killed the children of common Afghanis and Iraqis ?

Robert Tenns, Bradford, England

To Harry from Bedford and Micheal form Surbiton,

I'm glad that you were able to speak in such a candid and opiniated way. This means that I and other members of HM Armed Forces are doing our jobs correctly and allowing you the right to free speech.
By the way, I serve the Queen and my country - not the self serving imbeciles infecting our current Government.

RAF Officer, Carterton,

Neil, Fife. Your argument, that international law can extend to personal feelings about individual conflicts has been put to the legal test. It failed. When a member of the armed forces is ordered to go to war that is what they have to do, to do otherwise is illegal.

David Leslie, Perth, Scotland

I cannot believe these people in both Peterborough and who have written on here. It is absolutely disgusting that people don't support the troops, and disgraceful if they go even further and abuse them. I am from Northern Ireland and can say from experience our troops do a great job, they are in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting our national security. I wish I could witness one of these abuse attacks on a military officer as the offender would get a right piece of my mind. If you don't support our troops or policy - MOVE OUT YOU AREN'T WELCOME!

Simon, Belfast, United Kingdom

Nothing changes, look here.

http://www.cs.rice.edu/~ssiyer/minstrels/poems/43.html

John Gresham, Waterloo, Merseyside

By choosing to wear their uniforms off-duty, the servicemen are sending a message that they are proud of what they are doing in Iraq/Afganistan. It is understandable that they should receive abuse for this. The nature of the abuse is, of course, unacceptable.

Steve, London, UK

Those who have encouraged this cancer within our midst must be made accountable for their crimes . This might encourage future generations of those who govern to be more circumspect in the care for the ancient inheritance to which they are entrusted . For one thousand years the peoples of these islands have sacrificed life to deny those from outside who sought to subjugate them . No government or people has the right in any circumstance to forego this heritage .

paul, london, uk

I further agree with PJ from sheffield, weak governements coupled with a growing poisonous smog of political correctness and ridiculous human rights cases has lost our national identity.

I am for one am proud of the servicemen who have to serve in such awful conditions as Iraq and Afganistan. But this is just another example of deterioration of our culture and heritage. Not to mention I feel safer abroad than in my home town.

I am a postgraduate student that has lived all my life here, but when I finish Im going to be on the first plane out!

DC, Southport, Lancashire

As an ex RAF member (Halton Brat -75th), I am extremely dismayed by the Station Commander at RAF Witterring advising against wearing uniform in public. There has always been a few cranks who want to "have a go" at service men. It happened to me and some friends on Kings Cross Station in 1956. We took care of the situation ourselves. In what ever walk of life, and in particular the Armed forces, we should not give in to a few cranks. If we do, they have won a blow against freedom. Life for everybody is a risk to some extent and we all should, and do, take sensible precations. RAF personnel, I am sure, are no different and can take care of themselves against any misguided member of the public. The police are there to take care of the extremists who are a threat to us all, service personnel and civilians alike. RAF - WEAR YOUR UNIFORM WITH PRIDE.

Bernard Ingham, Malmesbury, England

I served for a number of years in the armed forces and was subject to the restrictions upon wearing uniform in public when not on duty.Personally I didn't want to wear such rig when going shopping or whatever else I got up to.Why all the fuss for Gods sake!? Sounds like just another politician trying to earn themselves a few 'brownie ponts'.
There will always, always, always be a minority of the public who do not agree with the politics of whatever conflict our country is involved in.And yes,as already stated,becauce they are too lazy to confront the politicians, 'have a go' verbally at the most obvious target - the uniform of our armed forces.
I personally think the politicians and the whole PC brigade are to blame.They discourage national pride and customs that have been in place for many years in case 'someone' is offended. HAH! Pathetic.

Chris, Camborne, Cornwall

When In the Royal Navy, I was proud to wear my uniform in my home town. Local people were always pleased to comment on it and wishing to chat with "jolly Jack".
Now I am ashamed at the way in which our great country is going.
It is time we stood together and stopped those who wish to make it their country and dictate to us what our religion and aims should be.
Come on ex service men in Peterborough... stand together and ensure that the RAF can walk in uniform with pride on our streets.

Bob Thompson, Hemel Hempstead, Herts

If they are heroes (though I personally see nothing brave about bombing people from a great height) then why can they not cope with a few unkind words? If I were to meet a soldier or airman, in or out of uniform, I'd like to have a polite and rational discussion with them about why they are invading someone else's country and killing the people who live there, for that is what it's all about. But I would probably be arrested because this is against the law!
What I am trying to say is, you can't logically oppose the war and support the troops. It is the victims, not the perpetrators, whom we should feel sorry for.
Isn't Riley ousting the indigenous population from the Ukraine?

M. Williams, Oxford, U.K.

I feel that these people are a disgrace to our country and should be forced to spend time seeing the terrible conditions and work our armed forces are enduring because of the lying politicians we've elected that have caused these situations.
I once wore a uniform and was deeply proud of it, if someone had come up and started giving me abuse I'd have told them where to go and how!
The British public should be proud of their servicemen and women who do an incredible job under impossible circumstances. I'm proud to say I was once among their number.

Mark, Amersham, UK

I am in agreement with David from Virginia; I don`t recognise the place anymore, and I live here. We have been let down by a succession of weak governments and have ended up lacking any sort of national identity.

PJ, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

These men and women risk there lives for our country - some of us may not agree with the wars - but it does not change the fact that these brave people put their lives at stake to defend us. They should be respected and applauded, and wear their uniform with pride. Think back to how returning troops were treated in WW1 & WW2, what have we come to now?

louise, Winchester,

Perhaps we should allow army personnel to defend themselves against such harrassment. I'm sure they know how to.

As it is it seems to me that they may defend us and the country but not themselves? That can't be right.

Ed Zuiderwijk, Cambridge, UK

There are many in this country, and in the world as a whole, who feel the conflicts in which these individuals fight is both illegal and hugely immoral. The government, for countless political reasons, would like us to separate those who participate in these operations (military) from those who give the orders (politicians) , but is that right?. International Law determines that individual military personnel are responsible for their own actions during war time and, while this applies more to individual acts of atrocity, it can be argued that this same principle be expanded to include responsibility for active participation in an immoral conflict. Abuse or injustice can only happen if indviduals are willing to actively participate in such injustice. Whilst the abuse these RAF personnel received on the street was totally undeserved, surely we should at least be questioning the jingoistic propoganda from Downing St, that would have us throwing ticker tape parades.

Neil, Fife, Scotland

How much abuse has been hurled at uniformed military walking around Hereford? Thought not, spineless or what?

Sonny Bravia, Newcastle,

Like many,many people I awoke this morning to more depressing news on the state of this once great nation, whose people respect those who served their country when we made a stand with other like minded nations for democracy and freedom in the world.
A sometimes a thankless task, but we endured and the bravery and skills of our armed forces came through. Now, thanks to generations of self serving politicians,who have no understanding or feelings for those of us who remember when we lived in a land that respected those who served and protected us and our communities, including the police.
The misguided, self serving politicans who have relentlessly pursued political correctness and a multi-culturalism should look at Peterborough and hang their heads in shame. So reverse the decision on the wearing of uniforms and let those of us who retain respect for the men and women who serve us can honour and thank them in public, not just in Peterborough, but in everytown in the country

Martin, Cheltenham, England

Jim and Clive
Get a life lets all go and find the families of those who have muredred and raped people in this country and hold them to blame for the actions of their family memer.
what ever your opinion of the war we should support our men and women on the front line and when they are at home. Anyone and l diont really care about the free speech issue here caught abusing service personel should be thrown in jail. no exceptions. These people do an amazing job in very difficult circumstances.

The people who comment here are the reason this country is going to the dogs. PC maniacs who have undermined the authority of the police and law and order here. We are now in the grip of a country full of those who wont obey our laws, be they the indiginous population or people from foreign lands. It time we cracked down on everything. ZERO TOLERANCE of all this type of behaviour.

Let the policeman on the beat clip the yob around the ear let parents do it to .

God save us all

simon, newcastle, uk

I don't want to hear about our brave professional army or airforce boys and girls doing a difficult job any more. I have heard enough.
I want to hear about our brave professional engineers, road makers, plumbers and doctors etc going out to rebuild this shattered country and do something for the country rather than to the country.
When I read about the soldiers having a good day with "Terry Taliban" because they have killed another 25 Afghans, my heart sinks, because we have just created another 100 or more enemies.
When will we ever learn?

Michael Hargrave, Surbiton, UK

Perhaps if the armed forces really did "a great deal for this nation" they would be respected more in public. Working as the instrument of a lying government and doing its filthy, oil inspired, murderous deeds for it, is hardly worthy of pride. Mafia goons are seen for what they are; thugs who do the dirty work of powerful and corrupt bosses. Just because somebody wears clothes of a certain colour with stripes on, does not make them any different. Thank God we have evolved sufficiently for a significant proportion of the population to be aware of this.

Harry, Bedford, England

Another idea from the boys book of buffoonery
"What kind of people threaten our armed forces in the streets of Britain?" The same trash that stone firefighters and attack ambulancemen.
Let Blinker Brown make the streets safe first, then we can ALL walk the streets unmolested.
And as for the yanks, US soldiers were spat at when returning from Vietnam, so we won't take any lessons from them.

Ken Wyatt, Todmorden, UK

The servicemen and women do not choose where they go to fight or who they have to engage with, so why should they suffer public abuse for actions taken when carrying out orders? The war(s) they currently fight are linked to government policy - perhaps that's where we, as the voting public, should stand our ground.

I for one would welcome the armed forces wearing their uniforms in Public, there's not enough respect for others in this country today and perhaps this could signal a start...

Rebecca, Bradford,

Comments on Sky News 7th March

"If you were here, you would see why it is unsafe to wear any armed forces uniform"

"predominantly overseas people doing it"

Read into it what you may......

Robert , Reading, UK

As one who wore RAF uniform after WWII, I am appalled that anyone should take to task our airmen, soldiers, and sailors for obeying their and our political bosses. Mr Tony Blair is the person who should primarily be held to account: his subservience to President G W Bush led, predictably (I was just one of many foreign affairs professionals who predicted it) to the Iraq disaster which undermines our chances of stabilising Afghanistan. Lack of US, British and other ground forces has led to excessive reliance on airpower and the inevitable "collateral" damage.

But yes - I too (like Heny GB), was glad to wear civvies on leave, so avoiding the need to salute!

dipconsult, Aquitaine, France

How righteous the media is. Imagine the copywriters delight if some off duty serviceman, when taunted got into a fight.

Clearly no need to invade Iraq and documents show Uk military were ordered by Lab Govt despite reservations and protestations that it would be a disaster.

Afghanistan supported the groups that launched attacks on western targets and exported terrorists across the world. Again when heading to Helmand province military were well aware many more troops would be needed , yet again Govt ordered in too few - arguably achieved nothing, allowed the Taliban some practise and demonstrated weakness.

The "Islamic " world inflicts pain on itself - Afghani warlords (Islamic) fought each other using their own tanks, artillery etc killing far more than coalition. Pakistan backed militias were amongst the worst. Just as the "Christian" world has inflicted much more pain on itself.

Abusing service personnel in the UK is nothing new the Govt has done it for years.

Paul, London,

What on earth are we coming to? On behalf of the thinking public, I apologise. I'm no advocate of our involvement in the war, but to abuse our troops? And for those in command of our Armed Forces to think the only way to deal with this is to shrink away? Have we no pride left? I really do despair.

Andy C, Lincoln, England

Find the culprits and sign them up for a year.

amber, London, GB

More appeasement to certain sections of the community.

Instead of avoiding the issue by stopping the wearing of uniforms, those giving the persistent threats and abuse should be prosecuted and where appropriate deported

David Cartright, Birmingham,

Unfortunately I had to read the Daily Mail online to find out who the abusers were. It reports that police say they are mainly local white thugs. What I don't understand is why the police haven't put the same amount of effort into prosecuting these abusive thugs as they would if they were shouting racist taunts. Nobody should be unable to go about their lawful business because the police have failed them (again and again and again)

Tam Earl-Aine, cheltenham,

As an ex-member of the United States Air Force, I can assure you that we were not allowed at all to wear our military uniforms when off duty.

This was basically the same reason that British Forces were not allowed to do it either.


Terrorism and being targeted by the public.

bradley, bury st edmunds,

Once again we pander to a stupid, illogical, minority section of the public. Wear your uniform with pride ladies and gentlemen of the forces and if anyone abuses you....lamp 'em.

Andy C, Somerset, UK

Yet another reason to stop immigration now.

Tessa, London,

The problem is that Peterborough is over-run with immigrants. They speak for their immigrant communities not Britain. When the election comes the B N P is going to be laughing. Decent people don't want to vote B N P because of their past associations with racism and violence but there seems little choice left as the major parties are too scared of losing votes to tackle this issue head on.
White middle class people are leaving the U K in droves. We are not allowed to push back to reclaim our Country from these foreigners who have ousted out the indigenous population.
When are people going to take to the streets and say 'Enough'?
There are lots of Ex-pats like me who want to go home but just don't recognise the U K anymore and don't want to live in a country that is even more foreign to us than the countries we moved to. But - If it ever came to violence in the streets I'd go back and fight - and I bet I'm not the only one.

Riley, Kiev, Ukraine

So there being abused by people in the street because of their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan are these muslims by any chance?

Peter, northampton,

First its the Proms and waving a British flag and now its a British uniform. Numbskull labour are not fit for purpose and are systematically trying to break this country down into a mass of nothingness.
So, in parts of Britain its OK for a woman to wear a Hijab and if she is abused the rascist card comes out but when a British soldier is abused they are the ones that must change?
Time for the British people to sort things out for themselves.

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

I suspect this has little to do with multiculturism and everything to do with slovenly, envious and nihilistic members of our underclass seeing something that threatens their fragile egos and reacting in their normal childish manner.

Roddy Campbell, Christchurch, New Zealand

Support our Troops!
These people will give their lives to defend our way of life, would you?
You may not agree with the Governments decisions to go to war but you cannot blame the armed forces for doing their job.
If our country was attacked, these would be the same people you'd turn to for our defence.

If you don't support our government, troops or way of life, it's time you found yourself another country to live in.

Pride over prejudice.

Tam o shanter, Glasgow , Scotland

The Times, and the media generally do no service to Moslems by failing to identify those among us who are roused to violence by the sight of a UK military uniform. If the problem doesnt lie predomanently with them, that fact should be spelt out. However, given the general level of dishonesty about 'race relations', the fact that it hasnt, suggests that it does. It shouldnt be left to the BNP website to provide the story behind the story. If a multi-racial society is to work, such behaviour must be challenged aggressively, not just in weasel words by Labour politicians, then moderate moslems may find the courage to act against extremists. If we go on the way we have been, I fear an almighty meltdown. There is already a scent of the Weimar republic about this country's drift over the past 15 years or so. A government whose members seem to be as concerned about foxhunting& the version of Britishness displayed at the Proms as they do about attacks on British servicemen at home doesnt help.

Kev Wilson, Slough, UK

and where is the police? The RAF should take matters into their own hands and show whoever it is abusing the uniforms what can happen to them. TRAITOROUS SCUM!!!

IAIN

iain, airdrie,

Firstly I should point out I was (and still am) against the war in Iraq.

However it is worrying that people are directing their anger at the Armed Services regarding the decision to enter Iraq. As far as I know our soldiers where not asked if they wanted to go to war with Iraq. This decision was taken by politicians. If people are angry about Iraq or Afghanistan I suggest the voice their concerns to their MP.

I disagree with our service men and women being in Iraq, however I do respect them for what they are doing. It can't be easy being out there separated from friends and family and putting there lives at risk. It must be extremely disheartening to come home and be treated in this way.

I would strongly disagree that they should "refuse to fight". They swore an oath to this country and are honouring that oath.

Please people if you are unhappy with Iraq or Afghanistan please contact you MP, and exercise your democratic right to vote next election.

Andy, Bristol,

FAO Jim from London,
Do you have any idea what you are talking about, and how childish and absurd your comments are? The Armed forces of the UK are internationally regarded as a force for good in the world, and the next time a genocide or natural disaster happens, undoubtably you will be amongst the first to claim it must be stopped or people helped. Well, you do you think goes and helps/stops it? Firemen? The NHS? Ha!
Soldiers, Sailors and Arimen don't have a choice of where we go, it is down to our democratically elected government, and if you were to ever leave your pleasant little ignorant bubble and see how difficult life is for other cultures and people, you probably wouldn't be saying the same things.

Jon, London,

What pride can we have in our armed forces when the forays into Iraq and Afghanistan have been a disaster of violence and murder on a hideous scale ? These actions have done much more harm than good, for each country, and for global peace and security.

Paul Judges, York,

It has been said on the news and here in this article that it is a cross section of the community. I don't believe that for one minute. we all know who will be moaning and having a go.
They are terrified to actually tell us who really is doing this.
But I think we all know.

Dave, London, South East

I agree with Jim of London on this one ("Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq are doing nothing for THIS nation.").

Though I think the forces are incredibly brave, they should not be in either Iraq (invasion based on lies) or Afghanistan (propping up a puppet leader).

You can be proud of someone only when they're doing a good job in a good cause, not a good job for a totally inappropriate cause.

It's unrealistic to expect the public to go up to the Armed Forces personnel in the street and say "you're doing a great job, IF we overlook the fact you should NOT be doing the job at all, and it is possibly ILLEGAL"

It will be a case of "shoot the messenger", in that the public can't directly voice their opinions to MPs, so they will voice it to the Armed Forces personnel.

Clive, Surrey,

Individual members of the armed services did not decide to go to war, it was the politicians that made the decision - be it correct or not

Anyone verbally abusing people in this manner should be given a warning by police, and if they repeat it they shoudl be fined.

Paul, Wilmslow, Cheshire

What in the hell is going on in England? I am a retired US Naval Office, and when I read the Times, I wonder just what the heck happened to the country I respected and used to love to visit. It's clear that country is now gone, lost to history. I don't recognize the remains.

David K., Alexandria, Virginia, USA

How come they can wear their uniforms with pride when serving abroad, but they are threatened by scum bags in our own little Isle?

What kind of people threaten our armed forces in the streets of Britain?

ash, China, China

On Parade/Off Parade. We couldn't wait to get home and get the uniform off - relax - and press and polish it ready for the following day. Proud to wear it, but not walking round saluting and being saluted when off duty. Good job it isn't the Paras or Blackwatch in Peterborough.

Heny GB, Brampton, Cumbria

Do these people realise if it wasn't for the RAF etc we probably wouldnt be reading this article today. Some people have nothing better to do than ridicule our Armed Forces. Shame on them , perhaps they should spend their time readoing up on 2oth century History instead.

mihael, singapore,

Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq are doing nothing for THIS nation. The general public know what a lie the whole war has been and are fed up with it.. If you want respect then all refuse to fight anymore...

jim, london, England

Gee I wonder what sections of our rich multi-cultural tapestry would be the ones doing the abusing/violence?

Sean, Sydney , Oz.,

To understand why people in Peterborough abuse the local RAF servicemen you have to visit the place. The city centre is full of non-EU imigrants, it is like a foreign country.

David, Wilmslow, Cheshire

The citizens of Peterborough should be ashamed of themselves.
You may not agree with the war but our Armed Forces are just doing their job and should be given respect.

polllard, Strassen, Luxembourg

We had the same problem here in Australia during the Vietnam War in the early 70s. It was never official policy NOT to wear uniform but unofficially we were discouraged especially if we were working in a capital city. The problems went away when we showed we would not be intimidated by idiots. This did include some groups of soldiers taking matters in their own hands to which the military authorities turned a blind eye. If it is only a minority the military should be able to solve it easily.
Perhaps the top brass should avoid being PC all the time--after all it didn't do much good when the sailors were taken without a fight by the Iranians.

Peter Bashford, Tweed Heads, Australia

Shocking. I'm appalled at this. The armed forces do a wonderful job and are treated as second class citizens. It's awful and another sign of how far this country has fallen. I'm ashamed and i hope that the armed forces all realise how respected and important they are to this country.

David, manchester,