British soldiers who had their homecoming parade ruined by angry anti-war protesters yesterday are preparing for another march today.
Protesters accused British troops of being 'butchers'
The "tiny minority" of demonstrators who disrupted the parade in Luton with angry scenes and scuffles have been condemned by Gordon Brown.
Two people have been arrested following the Muslim anti-war protest, which targeted soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as The Poachers, returning from Iraq.
The same soldiers will take part in a march in Watford later.
A group of Muslim protesters, who were hemmed in by police as the soldiers marched past, waved placards with slogans including: "Anglian Soldiers: Butchers of Basra" and "Anglian Soldiers: cowards, killers, extremists".
One also read: "British Government Terrorist Government."
A number of people staged a counter-demonstration, which is when the trouble began.
Bedfordshire Police confirmed two people were arrested for public order offences and taken to Luton Police Station.
Superintendent Andy Martin said: "Disappointingly, a small number of people chose to cause a disturbance during the parade, which was quickly contained by officers.
"The rest of the event concluded without further problem."
Defence Secretary John Hutton said: "I can only condemn the tiny minority who used this opportunity to make, whatever their personal views, utterly ridiculous and insulting comments to these brave men and women.
"I am extremely pleased to hear this has not in any way detracted from this proud day for the Poachers."
Mr Hutton's Conservative counterpart, Dr Liam Fox, said: "It is only because of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces that these people live in a free society where they are able to make their sordid protests."
An Army spokesman said the battalion was "deeply touched" by the support despite the disturbance.
He said: "It was a great sight to see the packed streets, in some places three or four men deep, and although a small minority of protesters chose to demonstrate this did not detract from the parade and the Poachers deeply appreciate the support shown from the local community."
Luton Borough Council chief executive Kevin Crompton said: "We must remember that we live in a democracy and it is unfortunate that a small minority of people did not use their democratic rights responsibly.
"But overall, the actual event went well and was a fitting tribute to the courage and bravery of our troops."
It's a ****ing disgrace what our country has become. No wonder so many people British people are turning to the far right.