By Dan Wilson / @wilsondan
Does anyone seriously doubt Gordon Brown's sincerity? Writing to the families of our fallen heroes is a gesture well meant. Even if the spelling and handwriting is poor, the intention is good. In times of all consuming grief, nothing can bring consolation. Mrs Janes should be angry. Directing her anger at the Prime Minister is her right. We cannot comprehend her loss.
But the attacks on Gordon have become more than that. The knives are out and in his critics’ eyes he can do no right. Mrs Janes has become a political tool for people who want to get at the Prime Minister, the Government and the Labour Party. How many of these self-important critics are remembering the bravery of Guardsman Jamie Janes and his other lost comrades?
Gestures are important. On Remembrance Day, our country diligently honours the men and women who have lost their lives in wars over the past century. The text of the letter he sent and his subsequent phone call transcripts show that Gordon Brown understands the very real grief that too many service families are feeling. I don’t doubt his sincerity.
But the Prime Minister needs to do more to fight the critics because opinion is changing when it comes to the war in Afghanistan. Not only does he need to better explain why we’re fighting what seems to many like an unwinnable war, but he needs to show publicly that he understands the sacrifices it entails.
He must go to Wooton Bassett and join the people there honouring our repatriated heroes on the streets. His bowed head as the hearses go by will go a long way to demonstrate the personal sadness and responsibility we know he feels. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
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This is to enable the people to pay their respects to the fallen.
We have seen an increase in attendance & crowds of people lining the streets of Wooton Bassett. Having to arrange security for Dignitaries & their Entourages would change the atmosphere of such a solemn occasion.
No it wasn't.
I much admire your many attempts to raise Gordon Brown's profile and give him credit in all your posts, but he had absolutely nothing to do with the spontaneous respects being paid at Wootton Bassett by ordinary citizens saluting those who are dying for a shabby war based on a lie.
Christ - Brown went missing when the war was decided on in his usual brave and honourable way. He wouldn't have the nerve to produce himself at such a gathering.
He couldn't even have a civilised conversation with Mrs Janes without telling her she was wrong in totting up his spelling mistakes. It must be very hard being perfect.
He never anwsers any questions but prefers to ask Mr Cameron what the Tory position is, Mr Brown it is Primeministers Questions not the opposition questions.
This is what I find truly disrespectful, and I believe it is being used by Brown to stop awkward questions on the War.
It is right that the PM announces the names every week, but it should be done at a seperate press conference, which I believe would show more respect to the fallen.
If he went to Wootton Bassett he'd be lynched.
and would he shut up about how being in afghanistan makes the UK safer it does not and as a poll shows today the majority of people disagree with him.
oops, there I just had an idea.
P.S. The BNP seem to find the time to go and rally support. When will we learn and take out heads out of the sand. I hate to say it but this Government is now well and truly past its sell by date.
Perhaps an idea would be for a Minister to meet the `plane on landing to pay his/her respects as the coffins are carries off-ramp.
Let's keep the events open for the people, not the dishonourable unelites.
Think about what is being debated here - the fact that the Prime Minister of Great Britain cannot even attend the repatriation of dead soldiers without his credibility and integrity being called into question.
Surely even the most Tory-hating and ardent Labour Party member can see that he is damaged goods.
For pity's sake - where are the Men In Suits?
It's the same in the USA as far as I am aware (which is one of the reasons Obama came under attack for attending a repatriation ceremony at Dover Air Force Base).
It's not a very long convention: During the Iraq war, Geoff Hoon and Adam Ingram, attended repatriation ceremonies at RAF Brize Norton, Oxon, and it was usual for families to be asked if they would like ministerial representation.
Yes. I do . If he sincerely cared about service people's lives he would have made spending commitments which would reflect that care. He has failed to do so at every opportunity, instead cutting or denying the funds for the acquisition of the kit which WOULD have saved lives. Talk, cheap. Actions, louder.
It's way too late for that. He should have been there near the start, not now. On one level to go now would look like he's trying to save his skin and he would be shredded by the papers. To me personally to go now would cheapen the demonstration of supportfrom the people of Wooten Bassett. But if he must go, for god's sake make it unannounced, low key, not trumpeted and spun.