The hypocrisy and double standards of the media and government establishments against Muslims was recently displayed yet again.

Both failed to publicise the appearance of two Pendle men before Pennine magistrates accused of having “a master plan” to carry out acts after what was believed to be a record haul of chemicals used in making home-made bombs in Colne.

Robert Cottage (49), of Talbot Street, Colne, and David Bolus Jackson (62), of Trent Road, Nelson, made separate appearances before the court charged with being in possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

The offences are under the Explosive Substances Act 1883. Both men were remanded in custody on the 6th October.

Cottage was arrested at his home, whilst the retired dentist Jackson was arrested in Lancaster, the same day as he left a dental practice in Grangeover- Sands.

The 22-chemical components recovered by police are believed to be the largest haul ever found at a house in this country. Cottage is an ex-BNP member who stood as a candidate in the Pendle Council elections in May.

The prosecutors said a search of Jackson’s home uncovered rocket launchers, chemicals, BNP literature and a nuclear biological suit.

Whilst Muslims are regularly harrassed by the media, attacked by thugs and insulted by Islamophobic politicians, this story never made it past the local press to the national newspaper or tv media, either because they were not aware of it, which is highly unlikely or perhaps this story did not suit their agenda of attacking Muslims.

Maybe if the individuals concerned, looked more Asian or had a beard, the news agencies would have paid more attention.

Needless to say, if one speculates who the intended targets or victims could have been, the blame no doubt would have fallen onto Muslims had these individuals been allowed to carry out their terrorist activities.