BLACK WATCH RED HACKLE

Early day motion 1130, tabled 28 November 2005 by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party). Signed by 21 members.

That this House notes with deep concern the decision by the Army Board to renege on the much publicised deal to allow the Black Watch Regiment to continue to wear their iconic Red Hackle emblem at all times following the unwanted merger of all Scottish regiments; further notes that the Red Hackle is a world-renowned icon that has been worn proudly by generations of Black Watch veterans; believes that this move will effectively kill off all sense of individual identity within the new amalgamated regiment; is concerned about the continuing impact on recruitment within the Army in Scotland following the disappearance of any trace of Scotland's historic regiments; and calls on the Government to intervene and honour the deal brokered with the Black Watch.

Signatures by party: Conservative 8, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour 1, Liberal Democrat 1.