by Chris Ellice - 19:17 on 19 March 2011

Firstly let me state that I have worked and lived in countries under Islamic law for most of the last 15 years undertaking projects. In this time I have worked with a wide variety of Muslims and have now have many friends who follow this faith.

During my time in these countries I have always tried to observe not just the law but also to respect the culture around me. As in the majority of nations, there are many in these societies that are devout, some less so and others who do not believe; however the latter dare not express their views for fear of reprisals. As such, I like to think I have a reasonable understanding of the demands on those living away from their homeland and in a position where their perceived freedoms and liberties are repressed.

This is far from the case in the UK, where the freedom to follow whatever faith you wish, or not as the case may be, is not only unrestricted, some would argue that the British politicians have set aside long held British values in the misguided fear of causing offence to others. It was once expressed to me by a friend staying in this country for a while “it is easier to be a good Muslim in the UK as the choice comes from the heart and not by dictate from zealots”.

So where does that put those like Emdadur Choudhury the Poppy Burner, who went out of the way to insult the British way of life and a sincere tradition of respecting the dead?

The media are wrong to label him and those like him as Islamic extremists as the main point is lost amongst the hysteria built up around this false label. This man and others like him are a disgrace to the religion they profess to follow and indeed to mankind itself. I an sure that followers of all faiths are disgusted by this action and he does more damage to Muslims wishing to live peacefully in this country than to others who just get angry.

So what could be his motive? Just that to make the British people angry; enough to incite reprisals that can whip up conflict between communities where little exists. He and other extremists of all religious persuasions are Social Terrorists and Agitators; until we see them as such we will continue to pussy foot around let them ridicule our system and sense of justice.

Can you imagine the reaction if this had been someone from the BNP or EDL carrying out some similar offensive gesture during Ramadam or other religious festival; there would be uproar and the offenders would almost certainly be charged with inciting racial hatred. Why was this not the case for burning poppies at a remembrance service when that is exactly what it was intended to do?

The fact that the offender, already supported by the state, is handed a derisory fine which he refuses to pay and openly states he will offend again, beggars belief at just how far we have allowed common sense to disappear.

If this situation continues, it is only a matter of time before some misguided “nutter” exacts mob law against someone like this, out of pure frustration at the failure in the justice system and the increasing sense that British values do not matter anymore.

The Popular Alliance hold dear to their core values as summarised on the web site home page and the time is rapidly approaching where the frustration of the British People could manifest itself in acts of civil disobedience in defiance of the political process. The Labour Party have done much to create the deterioration in British and social values and the coalition are too busy trying to please each other to address the serious situation the country faces.

Recent events across North Africa and the Middle East show us that the power of the people matters and politicians should be wary. The sad thing is though, when the political system fails, religious bigotry is all too ready to fill the vacuum and destroy any remaining freedom.

Mike Ross OBE

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