Did any of you see the Muslim protest at a parade for soldiers returning from Iraq today ?

Thousands of people lined the streets of Luton, Bedfordshire to show their support for the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as The Poachers.

A Muslim group, who held up banners reading: "Anglian Soldiers: Butchers of Basra", had tried to disrupt the event.

The whole country is proud of our brave servicemen and women who serve their country with great distinction and courage.

That pride in our armed forces was shown once again today when thousands turned out to welcome the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment.

We should all be proud of the outstanding work our armed forces do.



The protesters, who were hemmed in by police as the parade marched past, waved placards with slogans including: "Anglian Soldiers: cowards, killers, extremists."

One also read: "British Government Terrorist Government."

The protests were also condemned by Defence Secretary John Hutton and his Conservative counterpart Dr Liam Fox.

An Army spokesman said: "The battalion was deeply touched by the strong support shown by the people of Luton today. This visual show of support meant a lot to the soldiers.

"There is no better boost to a soldier than to see hundreds of people turn out to watch them on parade.

"It was a great sight to see the packed streets in some places three or four men deep, and although a small minority of protesters chose to demonstrate this did not detract from the parade and the Poachers deeply appreciate the support shown from the local community."