THIS country has long been known as one which enjoys more freedom than almost anywhere else in the world.

Such is the strength of that tradition that we do not feel the need to repress dissident voices even if they shout loudly with what many would consider unsavoury points of view.

However we are at war. Although rules of engagement have changed since the early 1940s many would consider that what was allowed to happen in Blackburn on Saturday amounted to an act of treason.

And Jack Straw has echoed that feeling condemning the march and describing those who went on it in support of the Taliban as "sick."

The swift action of the Blackburn and Darwen Stop The War Coalition is also to be congratulated. They immediately abandoned their march rather than have it hi-jacked by extremists whose views are far from their own.

Their move emphasised strongly that they want to dissociate themselves from the Taliban supporters and their tactics?

Police also acted with commendable common sense in ordering members of the march to get rid of placards and banners which would clearly have caused offence to large numbers of shoppers in the town centre at a time when members of our own armed forces are risking their lives in Afghanistan.

It is also interesting to note that they police are today considering legal action after saying they had been assured the event would only be an anti-war march.

It should also be noted by everyone how loud and clear are the voices of respected members of the Muslim community like Lord Patel who have dismissed those who did march as totally unrepresentative of their community.

And the thousands who make up the vast majority of Muslims made their own feelings quite apparent - by totally ignoring this small bunch of extremists.