MP says campaign to save 2RRF will continue
From next Wednesday (27th February), as part of the ongoing campaign to save 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF), a former member of the Regiment will form an ‘honour guard’ outside 10 Downing Street and inside the House of Commons. An ex-Fusilier, wearing the distinctive regimental beret and hackle, will be on station for an hour outside the gates of Number 10 during Tuesday Cabinet meetings and also in the Public Gallery for Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesdays.
The honour guard forms part of the continuing campaign to save the Regiment, which is due to be disbanded in line with the Government’s planned Army cuts. This is despite the battalion having an excellent recruitment record, and is especially unjust given more poorly-recruited battalions are being saved.
John said,
“The ex-Fusilier will be a constant reminder to the Government, and to the Prime Minister in particular, that we are not going to give up on this campaign. I would like to thank the Regimental Associations for their help.”
“In this increasingly uncertain world, cutting Regular battalions is unwise, especially when there is uncertainty as to whether Reservists can plug the gap. We shall continue to fight the decision to axe 2RRF.”
Ends
Word Count: 220
Date: 21st February 2013
Notes to Editors
- On 18th October 2012, 400 ex-Fusiliers marched on Parliament in defence of 2RRF, to coincide with a Parliamentary debate on the subject. The vote was won 57 votes to 3.
For more information, see John’s press release ‘John Baron MP wins 2RRF Parliamentary vote as over 400 ex-Fusiliers descend on Parliament’ [18th October 2012].
John Baron will not post replies to any comments - to contact John please Click here or alternatively for a full list of contact details Click here