He spoke out after senior officers at RAF Wittering advised off-duty airmen and women to wear civilian clothes when they visited Peterborough in case they attracted insults.

Mr Brown said: "All our armed forces should be able to, and encouraged to, wear their uniform in public and have the respect and gratitude of the British people for the huge commitment to public service they show.

"We will back up the police in their efforts to show that at RAF Wittering or anywhere else it's possible for the armed forces not only to wear their uniform, but to have the thanks of the British public."

The pressure for a U-turn increased today with the two Peterborough MPs attacking the decision.

Today, North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara, whose constituency includes RAF Wittering, said: "I think this is the wrong decision and I think the vast majority of the public are proud of our service personnel. This decision is effectively giving in to the minority.

"If RAF personnel receive hostility we should consider prosecuting these people if necessary, for example for threatening behaviour, public disturbance or assault. The law should act to protect our service personnel."

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson has written to Defence Secretary Des Browne asking if he was consulted about the decision.

Mr Jackson said: "I don't think the decision to stop service personnel wearing uniforms in public is the correct one. It is an over-reaction.

"As far as I can see, we don't have any evidence of how many incidents have occurred. I understand the police don't have any record of this happening. To ban the wearing of uniforms seems to be a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

The decision by RAF Wittering Group Commander Ro Atherton comes as Grantham and Stamford MP Quentin Davies is heading up a review into ways of improving the public's attitude and opinion of the Armed Forces.

The study was launched because it was feared that people were unaware of the sacrifices troops were making.

Last month, Mr Davies said they may still be "too reticent" in wearing uniforms.

East of England MEP Richard Howitt said: "I'm absolutely sure this is a tiny minority of Peterborough. I wear my poppy with pride and our service people should be able to wear their uniform with pride."

Cambridgeshire police said they were not aware of any incidents of service personnel being attacked or abused in Peterborough.

Hitting the front pages

Our story made the headlines on national television and radio yesterday and today, as well as the front pages of several national newspapers:
Times Online, March 7, 2008
Armed Forces should be encouraged to wear uniform, says PM.
guardian.co.uk, Friday March 7 2008
Calls to overturn ban on wearing RAF uniform in public.
Daily Express, Friday March 7,2008
RAF told don't wear uniform in public.
Daily Mail, 7th March 2008
Brown's fury as RAF personnel ordered not to wear uniforms in public after suffering abuse in the street.
Daily Telegraph, 07/03/2008
Brown steps into RAF uniforms row.

The Evening Telegraph is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Special Report: RAF uniform row, March 2008 - www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/wearitwithpride.

YOUR comments on the abuse of RAF servicemen

Matthew Everett (22), of St Benet's Gardens, Eye, Peterborough:
"I think it is preposterous. My aunt is in the navy and I don't think anyone in the military should be abused. At the end of the day it is not their decision to go to war."

Sam Dixon (27), of Aldermans Drive, Peterborough:
"It is bad that members of the RAF have been abused like this. However, unfortunately in Peterborough you can get abused in the street, even if you are not in the military."

Margaret Duller (66), of Saxon Road, Whittlesey:
"I think it is diabolical that the RAF are being insulted. It's a very sad thing.
"They are only doing their duty and I think they do a good job."

Kerry Gracie (26), of Oakdale Avenue, Stanground, Peterborough:
"I don't think it is right that members of the RAF should be abused. They should be proud of what they do and proud to wear their uniforms."

Add your comments below or email eteditor@peterboroughtoday.co.uk