Is this picture exploiting the war in Afghanistan for a propaganda stunt? Or the Prime Minister expressing solidarity with our boys in Afghanistan?

Is this picture exploiting the war in Afghanistan for a propaganda stunt? Or the Leader of the Opposition expressing solidarity with our boys in Afghanistan?

This is your third shot at this.

Guess who got in trouble for being photographed alongside a man in military uniform? Yes, it was the “far-right, anti-immigration party, which is hoping to pick up votes by playing on people’s disgust at the war in Afghanistan”. Unquote.

The New Statesman was straight out of the starting block with its claim ‘to be revealing’ (by poaching the answer from the comments section of the Metro) that the man was a ‘former soldier’ and ‘President of the Soldiarity Union which has a close association with the BNP’ Unquote. The New Statesman then went on to helpfully give a link to another blog which reports that the man, allegedly Adam Walker, ‘faces charges of using a school computer to post anti-muslim comments’.

I don’t remember anybody enquiring into the political beliefs or background of any of the soldiers in the first two pictures. Nor did Nick Griffin take up valuable space being flown out to Afghanistan, or require expensive security to enable his picture to be taken alongside a man in uniform.

But it is right that Nick Griffin’s ’soldier’ was so thoroughly investigated, after all, he was the only one of the three politicians that was pictured alongside a soldier purely as a propaganda stunt…….

1
Vimes April 15, 2010 at 12:09

“Nor did Nick Griffin take up valuable space being flown out to Afghanistan…”

If you’d like a contribution towards a one-way ticket, please let me know.

2
Alan April 15, 2010 at 12:46

Yes, it was the “far-right, anti-immigration party, which is hoping to pick up votes by playing on people’s disgust at the war in Afghanistan”. Unquote.

If it is fine for the Lib Dems it should be fine for the BNP.

3
JuliaM April 15, 2010 at 13:42

Vimes, how about half-way? The back doors on a Hercules open, after all…

4
Vimes April 15, 2010 at 14:33

As long as it’s over water, Julia – otherwise, some poor sod would have to clear up the mess and we may as well feed the fish, while we’re at it.

5
Gloria Smudd April 15, 2010 at 15:31

The Prime Minister is making a show of camera-aderie.
The Leader of the Opposition is making a show of Cameronaderie.
All three are making a show of campaignaderie.

6
Just Askin April 15, 2010 at 17:36

Gloria,

Isn’t it time for your “close-up” dear?

7
Gloria Smudd April 15, 2010 at 18:17

Ready when you are, Mr De Mille.