A decision to exclude military kit from Armed Forces Day celebrations in York today (Saturday) has been called ‘ludicrous’ by an opposition councillor.
This is the first year this has happened, which was “due to residents’ concerns”, City of York Council leader Claire Douglas said.
It meant there were no armed forces vehicles or other military equipment on display. One soldier called it ‘a ban by any other name’.
But the Conservative Group said: “This ludicrous decision runs counter to the aim of Armed Forces Day to not only recognise the contributions of our armed forces but also offer the public an opportunity to engage with them and learn more about what they do.
“Fear of protest is said to be the reason for this decision.
“However York Conservatives believe this is no excuse to diminish celebrations for the brave men and women in our armed forces. Indeed there are apparently protests against the decision now planned on a far greater scale than Labour’s left wing extremists would have managed.”
Conservative Group leader Cllr Chris Steward said: “Military equipment is not a big part of Armed Forces Day by volume, but it is a crucial part.
“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.
“I and York Conservatives stand 100% behind our military today, as we always have and always will.”
He said the decision by the Labour administration was made behind closed doors and against the advice of senior council staff.
One soldier based in the region told the UK Defence Journal: “We were told the kit wasn’t welcome this year because of fears it would spark protest.
“It’s frustrating, especially when Armed Forces Day is meant to be a chance for the public to see what we do and engage with us directly. This is a ban by any other name.”
Comments ‘an embarrassment’
For York Armed Forces Day today, the council launched a map and guidebook offering a self-guided journey through the city’s key military sites.
There were also family activities outside the council’s West Offices HQ.
Leader of City of York Council Cllr Claire Douglas said: “We’re a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and continue to support serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families year-round.
“We’re honoured to have received the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for our support of York’s armed forces community.
“During Armed Forces Day in York, we recognise and honour all who serve and have served. This year we have encouraged people to explore a family-friendly trail of sites with military connections around York, and to take advantage of discounts and offers from supportive businesses and organisations in the city.
“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.
“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.
“It is highly disappointing that Cllr Steward has chosen to turn this important event into a political point scoring opportunity, particularly when his fellow Conservative councillor colleague is serving as Lord Mayor this year.
“His comments quite frankly are an embarrassment to us all.”