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16

Aug 2023

Last Updated: 16/08/2023
Politics
Politics

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP calls for police talks on remembrance parades

by John Plummer

| 16 Aug, 2023
Comment

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Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP Andrew Jones has written to North Yorkshire's chief constable asking her to reconsider the force’s approach to this year’s remembrance parades.

North Yorkshire Police has said it will no longer provide traffic management for parades, including those on Remembrance Sunday, ending a practice that has lasted for decades.

Knaresborough Royal British Legion has said the decision threatened this year's parade in the town from taking place.

Mr Jones has called for the police to continue to provide the service this year, as there is little time for alternative arrangements, and then work with community groups so they can take over in future.

North Yorkshire Police claims its decision is due to changes to the law in 2004 and subsequent guidance from professional bodies representing police. It also says it is now out-of-step with other police forces which ceased traffic management of remembrance parades many years ago.

Knaresborough Remembrance Day 2019

Remembrance Sunday in Knaresboroug. Picture: Charlotte Gale



Mr Jones wrote to North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe asking her to review the force’s decision and reinstate police support at remembrance parades.

His office said today chief constable Lisa Winward had replied "outlining the legal position and the guidance from professional bodies".

Mr Jones has asked the chief constable asking her to reinstate police traffic management for remembrance parades this year.

He said:

“Remembrance is about our public services coming together and facilitating a collective act of tribute not just to those who have fallen in our armed forces but those in the emergency services who have given their lives that we can be free.
“The parades are an integral part of this and an important tradition that will be lost without traffic management.
“The sudden decision by North Yorkshire Police has endangered that tradition and left little time to put in place alternative arrangements.”





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Recognising the police want to stop traffic management duties, Mr Jones has asked Ms Winward to meet with him and parade organisers to discuss "a managed handover of traffic management to volunteers, community groups or council staff".

He said:

“If the police want to stop traffic management for remembrance it is an operational decision.  I think it is a poor decision but in the final analysis it is their decision to take.
“But the sudden announcement means there is little opportunity to save this year’s parades.  That is why I am asking them to reconsider the approach for this year and then work with community groups to ensure they have the capacity and knowledge to provide the support for future years.
“I am hopeful that by taking a constructive and collaborative approach we can save these much-loved parts of our remembrance in which the police join and in which we remember the fallen among their number too.”