6 February 2006
The attacks on the people of Denmark and other European countries are "completely unacceptable", the government has said.
The same applies to the behaviour of some of the demonstrators in London over the last few days.
But the PM’s spokesman said the government regretted the offence caused to some Muslims by the publications of the cartoons, adding that "freedom of expression should be exercised with respect for religious belief".
Appearing in front of the Commons Liaison Committee on Tuesday, the PM said he understood the "entirely justified outrage" of the public over the London demonstrations.
PM’s spokesman statement
We understand the offence caused by the cartoons depicting the Prophet and of course regret that this has happened. Such things help no one.
It is always sensible for freedom of expression to be exercised with respect for religious belief.
But nothing can justify the violence aimed at European embassies or at the country of Denmark.
We and our EU partners stand in full solidarity with them in resisting this violence and believe the Danish Government has done everything it reasonably can to handle a very difficult situation.
The attacks on the citizens of Denmark and the people of other European countries were completely unacceptable as was the behaviour of some of the demonstrators in London over the last few days.
The police should have our full support in any actions they may wish to take in respect of any breaches of the law, though again we understand the difficult situation they had to manage.
We also welcome the statements of Muslim leaders here who are themselves tackling the extremists who abuse their community’s good name.
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