Robert Buckland Weblog

The proposal by a previously obscure Islamist group to hold an anti-war march in Wootton Bassett given them some publicity.  My initial instinct was one of indignation and anger.  I still feel very strongly that they should not be using the town as the backdrop for a political statement, but I must say that I agree with those who have said that the best thing to do is to reject the proposal by ignoring it.  In that way, the oxygen of publicity becomes that much thinner.

The most fundamental point to be made about the repatriation ceremonies is that they are not in any way a commentary about the merits of the war in Afghanistan itself.  This is a town that wishes to show some solidarity and empathy with the soliders and their families.  It is a feeling that sustained us through two terrible world wars and which still runs strongly within us.  Don’t give this misguided group the satisfaction of a reaction.   If their “plans” fpor a march become more than just talk, however,  the notion that it should take place in Wootton Bassett is too much to stomach.

Christmas and New Year rushed past in a blur – children, family, presents, visits.  Lydiard Park in the frost;  a drink or two at various parties in Swindon; building Lego and Hotwheels sets with Geroge;  outings to the Cotswolds.

My first post of the New Year allows me to explain the new and exciting format of the Blog.   My thanks to Tim Almond for having updated the Blog with a temporary picture of the Golden Gate Bridge in all its misty glory.  I have neither the inclination nor the resources  to be contesting a Congressional seat in California, so we thought it better to replace that photo with a panomrama covering a large part of  South Swindon.  My apologies to the Eastern villages and to West Swindon, but most of the other wards are contained within the vista, which was taken by Tim only a few days ago.

We have come to it; the year of hoped-for and long-awaited change.