PETERLOO MASSACRE MEMORIAL

Early day motion 469, tabled 3 September 2012 by John Leech (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 31 members.

That this House notes that on 16 August 1819 a peaceful rally at St Peter's Fields, Manchester, of 60,000 pro-democracy campaigners men, women and children was attacked by armed cavalry resulting in 15 deaths and over 600 injuries; believes that it is now time for a permanent memorial to the Peterloo Massacre to remember those killed and injured and the impact it had on the fight for democracy; further notes that, in a 2006 survey by The Guardian, Peterloo was voted the second most radical eventfrom British history without a proper monument; welcomes Manchester City Council's u-turn over plans to mark Peterloo with a set of commemorative gates; urges the council to install a prominent, explanatory and respectful monument and to work with campaigners and residents to find a fitting tribute; furtherbelieves that it is vitally important that there is democratic involvement in how to mark this significant event, and condemns the Council's proposal that a panel of just three councillors from the administration should make the final decision; further urges the Council to consider holding a memorial design competition and to ensure the public are involved throughout the process; and calls for a detailed design brief to be worked up to ensure that the memorial is sited in a prominent location that it is informative of what happened and that it is respectful of those peoplewho gave their lives.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 11, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.