27 January 2006
Mike Penning, continues his “fly the flag” theme with a call for the reintroduction of “The Royal Tournament”.
Mike Penning has co-sponsored an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for the re-establishment of an annual “Royal Tournament” style military tattoo in London.
The Royal Tournament was held for 119 years but was disbanded by the Government in 1999. Mike Penning says:
“We should have an annual, high profile, military tattoo in London to show our appreciation of the work of our armed services in protecting our country and our country’s interests overseas. It also would act as a great showcase to show off our military capabilities”.
In the past, overseas contingents have been invited to take part and this has been a great way to foster good international relations.
“The Government promised a replacement to ‘The Royal Tournament’ to be held in Horse Guards’ Parade, but it was only held once,” he said.
Text of the Early Day Motion, No. 1483:
ROYAL TOURNAMENT
“That this House notes that the Royal Tournament, which acted as a showcase for the work of the armed services and featured military bands, cavalry displays by the Royal Horse Artillery, an annual naval field gun race and mock battles fought by Gurkhas, Royal Marines and other special units of the armed forces, was disbanded by the Government in 1999 having been held for 119 years; further notes that whilst a new military tattoo was promised to be held each summer from 2001 onwards within the spectacular and historic setting of Horse Guards' Parade, with ceremonial elements, massed bands and pageantry, such an event has only been held once; believes that an annual high profile event in London focusing on the capabilities and operational activities of the UK's modern armed forces is important to show appreciation and recognition of the essential work of service personnel in the protection of this country and its interests overseas; and calls on the Government to examine the options for establishing an annual military tattoo in London to give effect to its previous public commitments.”
Mike Penning has co-sponsored an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons calling for the re-establishment of an annual “Royal Tournament” style military tattoo in London.
The Royal Tournament was held for 119 years but was disbanded by the Government in 1999. Mike Penning says:
“We should have an annual, high profile, military tattoo in London to show our appreciation of the work of our armed services in protecting our country and our country’s interests overseas. It also would act as a great showcase to show off our military capabilities”.
In the past, overseas contingents have been invited to take part and this has been a great way to foster good international relations.
“The Government promised a replacement to ‘The Royal Tournament’ to be held in Horse Guards’ Parade, but it was only held once,” he said.
Text of the Early Day Motion, No. 1483:
ROYAL TOURNAMENT
“That this House notes that the Royal Tournament, which acted as a showcase for the work of the armed services and featured military bands, cavalry displays by the Royal Horse Artillery, an annual naval field gun race and mock battles fought by Gurkhas, Royal Marines and other special units of the armed forces, was disbanded by the Government in 1999 having been held for 119 years; further notes that whilst a new military tattoo was promised to be held each summer from 2001 onwards within the spectacular and historic setting of Horse Guards' Parade, with ceremonial elements, massed bands and pageantry, such an event has only been held once; believes that an annual high profile event in London focusing on the capabilities and operational activities of the UK's modern armed forces is important to show appreciation and recognition of the essential work of service personnel in the protection of this country and its interests overseas; and calls on the Government to examine the options for establishing an annual military tattoo in London to give effect to its previous public commitments.”
