General Chat

Even if we weren't actually in their waters just to get these soldiers back? I listened to an interesting debate on the radio earlier. What do you think? xx

Right now i think we just need to get them home safely no matter what it takes. x

Yes, if sorry is all it takes to get these people back safely, say it! OC

Yes - we would expect the same if Iran came into our waters uninvited.

No of coarse not-lets make a national issue of it- lets put lives on the line again-dont u just love national pride - makes me want to scream!!!! Lets exchange friends and family of their loved ones and see how quick an apology is made. Sorry for rant, just feel for these people. x

One small word, but if it means we can get our people back safe and sound then it's a great big word, and worth it. Bev

I hate to say it but if thats all it takes to get these people home, then yes! Can you imagine what their families are going through,get them home then take action,but only when their all safe.

You have asked 'do we need' Muffy. Unfortunately I think we do need to apologise, not because we were in the wrong... this is still up for debate, but so that the 15 personnel can be released and hopefully returned home safely. Once that has been achieved then I think we will be within our rights to argue the matter. The UN Security Council have once again fallen short of what was asked of them, due to Russia taking exception to the original wording I understand. When will we ever learn that when push comes to shove we are on our own. Jean x.

it's a very difficult situation isn't it? have just been watching it on Sky and discussing it in the family. The problem is that if we do 'apologise' then firstly WILL they release them and secondly does that give them carte blanche to push it even further? I think we are handling it right really, for the moment - as Tony Blair said ... firm, determined, patient. They are trying to provoke a reaction and I think we have to be really careful not to give them any excuse to take things further. They are also trying to get us as isolated as they are by saying that they don't want the UN or EU involved. Also, we don't know what is going on behind the scenes (on both 'sides') do we?

Apparently Just Passing Through the military have proof that these people DIDN'T enter Iranian waters through satelite tracking devices. I have mixed feelings about it . Primarily because after the WMD debacle I no longer believe anything Tony Blair and this government have to say. If I believed that they definately weren't in Iranian waters 100% I would be firmly in the no apology camp. Though I do take the point that if it were one my family being held I would feel totally different. As it is I just hope they get home safely whatever we have to doxx

its very hard.. i was raised to only say sorry if i ment it.. but under circumstancies... to get them poor peep's back safe and to their loved ones... yes if that what it takes... if it was one of mine ..... i would hope the goverment. would do the highland fling......if thats what it took... lynn x

Oops sorry Muffy - apologize if I got it wrong - there that did not take much did it - the apology that is..

It is quite clear in my mind - the lives of 15 service personnel are far more important than any notion of national pride (Pride in WHAT, fgs???) Say sorry, get them home and THEN argue the toss if that is what Tony Blair feels he must do. I remember when the unspeakably evil Idi Amin was strutting his stuff and holding us to ransom...the Foreign Secretary of the day (can't remember his name!!) went out there to meet him, licked his, erm, shoes,pandered to his massive, insane ego, and the situation was defused. It takes a big man to do that - a lot bigger than Tony Blair I think. OC

There was no need to apologise Just Passing Through but thanks anyhow :0)

No, but get our people out,then send them a message via a Trident with a Non Nuclear Warhead,Preferably to the building where the 'Mullahs and President 'of Iran reside,to show them what could and would happen if they continue doing this to our troops.There has been to many attempts to belittle our country by them and enough is enough. Hal.

I think the problem is trusting Iran enough to believe that saying sorry will get them released. If that is all it takes then yes do it. But can we trust them do you think? The MOD film did appear to show that they were not in Iranian waters. and Iran are using dirty tactics by picking on the only female there. so could we trust them? And I also think we don't know what is going on behind the scenes. Ann Glos

And just who will win if there is a nuclear war? All this national blustering makes me sick - we are no longer a great nation and we have no business being involved in someone else's war (Iraq). He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. OC

Dafodil Anne, The trouble is, with these People they are take, take, take. try to negotiate with them and they class it as a 'Weakness'and keep pushing for more. Sending Becket to deal with them was stupid,They have no respect for Women there,and probably regarded it as an Insult to them. I know our forces are trained but not to the extent of 'Special Services' so we cannot expect a lot from them.Iran is taking the 'Pee' and its time they were made fully aware of the consequences of their actions and what could happen if they continue. It may not come from us but from' Israel' who are fully aware of what 'Iran' and the 'Mad Mullahs' intend for them,and they tend to take action first,and say sorry later,if they feel like it. Hal.

Ann It's not a case of they loves us but we are only a soft touch with anyone that comes in this country wether illegal or legal. My opinion is let us apologise so long as our military personnel get out safe and sound mentally as well as physically. Suexxx

Ann I agree with so much of what you are saying. xx