This is a curiously enigmatic conundrum. We are told that the British troops are in Afghanistan to ensure freedom of speech and self-determination for the Afghan people. Those who wish to stage the protest in Wooton Bassett appear to support the Taliban, whose aim is to repress this.

So, in effect, we have protesters demanding freedom of speech in Britain to oppose freedom of speech in Afghanistan. Those who oppose the march are denying the protesters freedom of speech in Britain whilst supporting it in Afghanistan.

Personally, whilst agreeing with Evelyn Hall's expression of Voltaire's principle: "I disagree with what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it", I also agree with John Stuart Mill that: "freedom of speech does not necessarily mean freedom of action".

Or am I just being too simplistic?