RAF WITTERING AND WEARING OF SERVICE PERSONNEL UNIFORM IN PETERBOROUGH

Early day motion 1138, tabled 10 March 2008 by Lord Jackson of Peterborough (Conservative). Signed by 25 members.

That this House expresses its concern at the recent decision by the Base Commander at RAF Wittering to instruct personnel resident at the base not to wear their uniforms when visiting the City of Peterborough; notes the paucity of evidence that personnel from the base are subject to or have been subject to undue risk of attack; further notes with disappointment the significant negative publicity for both the City of Peterborough, RAF Wittering and Her Majesty's Armed Forces that has ensued since the decision was made public; welcomes the good relationship between Peterborough City Council and RAF Wittering which culminated in the base receiving the Freedom of the City in 1983, and deplores the completely inappropriate and disproportionate action arising from erroneous advice given to the Base Commander by the Ministry of Defence; calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to review that advice and instruct the Base Commander to rescind the decision with immediate effect; and finally looks forward to personnel from the base marching proudly through the centre of Peterborough later this year to celebrate their Freedom of the City so that Peterborough residents can demonstrate their pride in and support for the UK's service personnel and their sacrifice and service to their country.

Signatures by party: Conservative 14, Liberal Democrat 6, DUP 4, Labour 1.