a day ago
Labour council bans military hardware from Armed Forces Day
A Labour-run council has banned military equipment from its Armed Forces Day over fears of causing offence.
The city of York council said the kit, which could range from weapons to vehicles, would no longer be welcome at the show in light of 'residents' concerns'.
Cllr Claire Douglas, the Labour member for Heworth Ward and leader of the council, insisted that the decision 'in no way diminishes how seriously we take Armed Forces Day'.
But others claimed the council had caved in under pressure.
Cllr Chris Steward, leader of the Conservative group, said the hardware was a 'crucial part' of Armed Forces Day.
He told The Telegraph: 'What use is any military without equipment?
'We totally condemn this decision of the Labour councillors. There has been no cross-party involvement.
'It shows how far the Labour Party has fallen from a proud, patriotic party which recognised the courageous and vital job our military do, to one more concerned how their actions may offend their increasingly extreme supporters who seem to want to protest against our long-held values.'
City of York council will host the Armed Forces Day celebration on Saturday to honour past, present and future members of the military community for their dedication and sacrifice.
Martin Rowley, a Conservative councillor and Lord Mayor of York, told The Telegraph that decisions taken in a multi-cultural city required careful consideration.
He said: 'We live in a very diverse city, a city of refuge, a city where we have Ukrainian families who have been deeply scarred by war.
'As a cosmopolitan city we have to be wary of everyone's views. They have to be considered decisions.'
Cllr Michael Nicholls, another Conservative, said it was 'disappointing' that the council seemed to think it could 'pick and choose' their support for the military.
He said: 'Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us to say thank you and for the Armed Forces to show the next generation of recruits what they are all about, including the showing of equipment.
'The priority of Labour in York appears to be not to offend those opposed to our values. How sad.'
Cllr Douglas said the council was a 'proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant' and would continue to support serving personnel, veterans and their families all year around.
She said: 'With our military partners, we carefully considered residents' concerns and decided that the day will go ahead as planned, with the only change being no military equipment on show.'
It is unclear whether the Sea Cadets will be able to showcase their display boat or if the Queen's Own Yeomanry will have its Jackal military vehicle and replica weapons on show.
She added: 'This decision in no way diminishes how seriously we take Armed Forces Day and our deep respect and commitment to those who serve and have served. We look forward to a fantastic day'.
