The PM should pay his respects at Wootton Bassett

By Dan Wilson / @wilsondan

Does anyone seriously doubt Gordon Brown’s sincerity? Writing to the families of our fallen heroes is a gesture well meant. Even if the spelling and handwriting is poor, the intention is good. In times of all consuming grief, nothing can bring consolation. Mrs Janes should be angry. Directing her anger at the Prime Minister is her right. We cannot comprehend her loss.

But the attacks on Gordon have become more than that. The knives are out and in his critics’ eyes he can do no right. Mrs Janes has become a political tool for people who want to get at the Prime Minister, the Government and the Labour Party. How many of these self-important critics are remembering the bravery of Guardsman Jamie Janes and his other lost comrades?

Gestures are important. On Remembrance Day, our country diligently honours the men and women who have lost their lives in wars over the past century. The text of the letter he sent and his subsequent phone call transcripts show that Gordon Brown understands the very real grief that too many service families are feeling. I don’t doubt his sincerity.

But the Prime Minister needs to do more to fight the critics because opinion is changing when it comes to the war in Afghanistan. Not only does he need to better explain why we’re fighting what seems to many like an unwinnable war, but he needs to show publicly that he understands the sacrifices it entails.

He must go to Wooton Bassett and join the people there honouring our repatriated heroes on the streets. His bowed head as the hearses go by will go a long way to demonstrate the personal sadness and responsibility we know he feels. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.