Wootton Bassett to become a Royal town
Wootton Bassett is to be given the title of “Royal” in recognition of its efforts to honour the UK’s war dead. The British Legion says it is delighted by the decision.
The Wiltshire town has witnessed the repatriation of British troops since 2007.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that repatriations would no longer happen there from September due to the closure of a nearby RAF base.
Fallen troops will now be flown into Brize Norton which lies in the Prime Minister’s Oxfordshire constituency of Witney.
David Cameron said the Queen had agreed to the tribute as “an enduring symbol of the nation’s admiration and our gratitude to the people of that town”.
“Their deeply moving and dignified demonstrations of respect and mourning have shown the deep bond between the public and our Armed Forces,” Mr Cameron told the Commons.
Reaction
The Royal British Legion said it was “delighted” about the decision.
“We couldn’t think of a town more deserving of this rare honour, and we are delighted with Her Majesty’s decision,” said National Chairman John Farmer.
The Royal British Legion said today it was “delighted” that Her Majesty the Queen has bestowed a Royal title upon the town of Wootton Bassett in recognition of its efforts to honour the UK war dead.
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“We couldn’t think of a town more deserving of this rare honour, and we are delighted with Her Majesty’s decision,” said National Chairman John Farmer.
Conservative MP James Gray, whose North Wiltshire constituency includes Wootton Bassett, told the House of Commons: “The people of Wootton Bassett have sought no thanks or praise for what they have done on so many hundreds of occasions, but they will be deeply honoured and very pleased by the honour which Her Majesty has shown them on this occasion.”
Pastor Tim Ravenscroft, of the Wootton Bassett Community Church, said: “The most important thing is that this does not take the emphasis off our thoughts for the young men and women brought through the town.
“The most important thing is that their families realise that this was done out of respect for them rather than just seeking reward.”
He added: “I think it has been a very personal gift to the families and those who have lost their sons and daughters and husband and wives.”