Thus the headline to a story in today’s Daily Mail. The report itself is in fact quite neutral, but the editorial staff presumably chose this headline to provoke a particular response among the paper’s readers. And they were not disappointed. Some examples of online comments:

“God, I’m sick and tired of minority splinter groups.”

“Pathetic, the powers at be in this country are fast becoming our enemies.”

“I wonder when the Government will wake up or we will finally elect a Government which represent the majority and not ethnic minorities?”

“If Muslim recruits insist on wearing more than standard fire service uniforms, they can pay for it themselves.”

“another National Disgrace”

“Yet more discrimination against the Indigenous population. Uniform should be UNIFORM, whatever your religion.”

“How can a woman clad in all this flowing garb be expected to fight a fire?”

“Attending a fire with flamable material wrapped around your head – they are just taking the p!ss now aren’t they? However I have no objections to sending as many as possible into burning buildings.”

“Great outfit to burn to death in, Baggy unwealdy and totally unsuited to purpose.”

Though occasionally a voice of reason breaks through:

“Oh for goodness sake, read the article properly. This uniform isn’t for fighting fires in!! It clearly says: ‘The hope is that the uniforms, designed for wearing round the station and for outings such as school trips…’.”

“This is a good idea, it will help integration. The Muslim community are just as keen to get involved in the public services as any other grouping of the population and should be encouraged.”