NAMING OF THE NEW WELSH REGIMENT

Early day motion 566, tabled 20 January 2005 by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 31 members.

That this House regrets the proposed name changes to the three Welsh regiments, The Royal Welch Fusiliers, The Royal Regiment of Wales and the Royal Welsh Regiment; celebrates their distinguished military history and traditions, which has depended on the strong sense of belonging and 'hiraeth' associated with these regiments; recognises that this history and identity is a real asset to recruitment; notes that, contrary to evidence given before the Defence Select Committee, multiple representations and objections were made to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of General Staff; and calls upon the Government to treat Wales as they treated Scotland by allowing the three battalions to preserve their titles as The Royal Welch Fusiliers (1st Bn The Royal Welsh), The Royal Regiment of Wales (2nd Bn The Royal Welsh) and the Royal Welsh Regiment (3rd Bn The Royal Welsh).

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 4, DUP 3, UUP 3.