I think your fears are limited somewhat by the fact that Labour has committed to close RAF Lyneham and blight the local North Wiltshore economy. Presumably Labour weren't hoping to win any of the marginal Swindon seats any time soon then...

Sadly, the media circus has now become a little excessive. The appearance of a helicopter at the last repatriation (curtosy of the BBC) was a shame - it broke a very dignified silence.

Is that the purpose of an airfield, John, to maintain employment? Can we have one too then, because the Tories closed all the bloody industry down here and no-one appeared to give a toss.

Bob, I come here rarely, but usually you entertain with some off the wall observations. Not today. I'm struggling to understand your post, but you seem to have missed the mood. The procession through the town is a poignant scene, and something most people would want to see and understand. After this point the bodies of the servicemen go for autopsy before being released to the relatives, therefore its the only appropriate time to record the event.

News editors are charged with following the stories which their audience would want to know about, at a time when the mission in Afghanistan is under intense scrutiny and many servicemen are being killed.

Your comments about bus loads of people being bussed in with "Diana syndrome" to buy plastic union flags and mugs, commemorative T-Shirts and tea towels are downright idiotic, stupid.. even from you.

Oberon, I agree entirely that the scene in Wootton Bassett is poignant and genuine by the people of the Town. However, the way in which the press jackals have descended on 'the story' is nothing to do with respect, and much more to do with sensationalism. My fear is that it will turn an intensely moving and heartfelt expression by these people, in to a bloody circus, with hordes of those wanting to 'join in' the fun egged on by the media.

(And by the way... I never visit your site, but if I ever decide to I'll take the trouble to call you idiotic and stupid).

I was bussed into Wootton Bassett today alone on public transport £3.30 return. I went to see my 19 year old son's friends just 18 years old in their wooden boxes courtesy of the despicable incompetent useless Labour party. 30 Photos Here Not a politician to be seen any where but I was very pleased to see the press cameras there to show the rest of the nation what Bob's pals do to little boys just out of school.

Presumably, for £3.30, you were not one of the tourist mourners I was referring to.

I don't know which Party you subscribe to, but the unreconstructed right-wing gibberish on the page you reference would suggest a Tory-boy.

That's errrm, the Tories who supported the war. And the Tories, who despite their opportunistic bleating now, cut defence spending year on year in the 80's and 90's.

And guess which scum would be first to accuse the Goverment of trying to use Dead Soldiers for political means if they were seen at Wooton Bassett or Lyneham !

Thank God Tony Blair was prepared to back the rights of minorities and democrats. Something the Torys and the useful idiots of the internet never have done.

GW

Bob you are absolutely right.
I'm part of the media(cameraman)and I can tell you that this whole Wootton Basset thing has just become a show.No direspect intended to the good folk of the town and those who have come to genuinely show their respects but I can tell you that this is the biggest thing to happen to Wootton Basset(ever) and they are not going to let it go away lightly.Ive been in this situation many times.