LOCAL MP Jeremy Hunt has condemned a potentially violent demonstration in London last Friday by Muslims who were protesting about cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad. Twelve cartoons originally published by a Danish newspaper show the Moslem prophet in a variety of humorous or satirical situations. Mr Hunt, MP for South West Surrey, has supported fellow Tory party member and Shadow Home Secretary David Davis who said some of the messages on the placards in the demonstration amounted to "incitement to murder". "The decision of various European newspapers to publish cartoons that are seen as offensive by Moslems is a decision that I do not approve of. However, it was not illegal, nor should it be," said Mr Hunt. "It would have been entirely proper for those offended by these cartoons to have mounted a peaceful demonstration against their publication. "The right to demonstrate is an extremely important right for British citizens. However, it is a right with clear limits. It does not include the right to violence or to incite violence. "I believe that the route to good community relations in Britain is a combination of generosity, tolerance and respect. "It is therefore important that local communities here in south west Surrey reach out to local Moslems and extend the hand of friendship. "It is also equally important local Moslems reach out to their local communities and work with them to develop the necessary understanding that the precursor to trust, acceptance and friendship."
