AS WE come towards the end of this year's period of remembrance, which I think has been among the best supported locally for many years, perhaps we can reflect on other related matters.

It was excellent, if overdue, to see some rightful recognition of the contribution and sacrifice made by millions of British troops from the Indian sub-continent in the Second World War and to see ex-soldiers: Khan, Hussain, Ali and Ein at the Garden of Remembrance in Blackburn.

However, I had occasion to be with Mill Hill's BNP-elected councillor twice over this weekend. I did not see him at all at any of the remembrance events. I did not see him wearing a poppy.

He does not and did not attend prayers at the beginning of our recent council meeting that focused on this period of remembrance.

Thousands of Khans, Hussains, Alis and Eins gave their lives alongside the Evans, Browns, Smiths and Taylors of this world fighting racist oppression.

Is it irony or insult that not everyone shared in those moments of remembrance?

COUN SIR BILL TAYLOR, Leader with Blackburn Council