UK York Council Sparks Controversy with Military Equipment Ban at Armed Forces Day

[Social Media]

 

York Council Sparks Controversy with Military Equipment Ban at Armed Forces Day

 

A decision by York’s Labour-led city council to exclude military equipment from its Armed Forces Day event has triggered a wave of political backlash, with Conservative councillors condemning the move as disrespectful to the nation’s armed services. The council has cited “residents’ concerns” as the reason for removing displays of military kit—ranging from weapons to vehicles—from Saturday’s celebration, an event traditionally used to honour both past and present service members.

 

Claire Douglas, Labour leader of York Council and representative for Heworth Ward, defended the decision, stating, “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.” She added that the council remains a “proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant” and reaffirmed its continued support for service members, veterans, and their families throughout the year. “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,” she explained.

 

However, the decision has not gone down well with many local Conservatives, who see the removal of hardware as an affront to both the armed forces and the spirit of the event. “What use is any military without equipment?” asked Councillor Chris Steward, leader of the Conservative group. “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.”

 

Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley, a Conservative, acknowledged that hosting such events in a diverse, multi-cultural city required sensitivity. “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,” he said. “As a cosmopolitan city we have to be wary of everyone’s views. They have to be considered decisions.”

 

Still, other Tory councillors questioned whether the council was undermining the role of Armed Forces Day itself. “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,” said Councillor Michael Nicholls. “The priority of Labour in York appears to be not to offend those opposed to our values. How sad.”

 

It remains uncertain whether certain groups, such as the Sea Cadets, will be permitted to display items like their ceremonial boat, or if the Queen’s Own Yeomanry will be able to bring along its Jackal military vehicle or replica weapons for public engagement.

 

Despite the friction, Cllr Douglas maintains that the celebration will continue with full respect for the Armed Forces, just without the traditional hardware. “We look forward to a fantastic day,” she said.

 

Organisations including the Sea Cadets, Queen’s Own Yeomanry, Help for Heroes, and the Royal British Legion have been contacted for comment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP  2025-07-01

 

 

[Watawattana]

Maybe some residents don't want this parade to become a target, or some of those smart people who landed on a boat down south have raised the "concerns" as a tactic to ensure the military hardware can't be used as a defence against attack?

[portisaacozzy]

14 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

York Council Sparks Controversy with Military Equipment Ban at Armed Forces Day

 

A decision by York’s Labour-led city council to exclude military equipment from its Armed Forces Day event has triggered a wave of political backlash, with Conservative councillors condemning the move as disrespectful to the nation’s armed services. The council has cited “residents’ concerns” as the reason for removing displays of military kit—ranging from weapons to vehicles—from Saturday’s celebration, an event traditionally used to honour both past and present service members.

 

Claire Douglas, Labour leader of York Council and representative for Heworth Ward, defended the decision, stating, “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.” She added that the council remains a “proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant” and reaffirmed its continued support for service members, veterans, and their families throughout the year. “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,” she explained.

 

However, the decision has not gone down well with many local Conservatives, who see the removal of hardware as an affront to both the armed forces and the spirit of the event. “What use is any military without equipment?” asked Councillor Chris Steward, leader of the Conservative group. “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.”

 

Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley, a Conservative, acknowledged that hosting such events in a diverse, multi-cultural city required sensitivity. “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,” he said. “As a cosmopolitan city we have to be wary of everyone’s views. They have to be considered decisions.”

 

Still, other Tory councillors questioned whether the council was undermining the role of Armed Forces Day itself. “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,” said Councillor Michael Nicholls. “The priority of Labour in York appears to be not to offend those opposed to our values. How sad.”

 

It remains uncertain whether certain groups, such as the Sea Cadets, will be permitted to display items like their ceremonial boat, or if the Queen’s Own Yeomanry will be able to bring along its Jackal military vehicle or replica weapons for public engagement.

 

Despite the friction, Cllr Douglas maintains that the celebration will continue with full respect for the Armed Forces, just without the traditional hardware. “We look forward to a fantastic day,” she said.

 

Organisations including the Sea Cadets, Queen’s Own Yeomanry, Help for Heroes, and the Royal British Legion have been contacted for comment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from NYP  2025-07-01

 

 

its to honour past and present service men an women. not honour the latest killing machine.ask any 'old ' soldier what he or she thinks.

[mikeymike100]

"Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley, a Conservative, acknowledged that hosting such events in a diverse, multi-cultural city required sensitivity."

 

In other words, they have gone 'woke'

The Military aren't much good if they don't have equipment?