Having been very impressed by the group editor’s principled front page stand against right-wing extremist threats to Harrow Central Mosque, I have become concerned about subsequent coverage of Stop the Islamisation of Europe’s (SIOE) campaign.

The skirmishes on September 11 have become more inflated with each recount so the Harrow Times claims on the front page last week that “large sections” of the crowd were out of control. In fact, most responded to the mosque and UAF stewards’ calls for demonstrators to remain outside the mosque and those who had run off quickly returned.

As someone who has seen real riots and violent protests — with baton charges, mounted police charging into crowds, missiles thrown, cars over-turned etc — I would describe the skirmishes, although regrettable, as mild and the counter-demonstration itself as good-natured.

The Harrow Times is in danger of talking up the SIOE by publicising any little hint it finds on their website that they may organise another demonstration.

Yes, we need to be informed about what SIOE and its extremist friends are planning but let’s not do all their publicity for them and make them appear a larger and more effective organisation than the rather hapless bunch they really are.

Finally, when he describes them as “staunch” opponents of Islam, the word staunch conveys an implicit positive editorial judgement (Chambers: staunch — firm in principle, pursuit or support; trusty, hearty, constant, loyal, zealous, stout and firm) that is usually more readily applied to loyal members of mainstream political parties.

In applying it to members of the SIOE, he implies equivalence: can you imagine publishing a description of an organisation that is staunchly anti-Semitic?

Martin Francis, Saltcroft Close, Pilgrims Way, Wembley