A VE Day military parade cancelled over “elitism” claims will now go ahead after an unprecedented intervention by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire, itself run by the Lib Dems, had sparked fury by shelving plans to commemorate May 8’s Victory in Europe Day.
Councillor Caroline Smith-Wright had instead told constituents to hold street parties on the grounds a military show “just left the elite and people to just, kind of, parade”.
But now, Davey has stepped in.
“There will be a VE parade, I’m delighted to say,” he confirmed during a local election campaign visit to Gloucester.
‘There will be a VE parade, I’m delighted to say,’ Davey confirmed
PA
Davey explained that the initial decision had been made without proper consultation.
“I think apparently a council officer took a decision without talking to the politicians,” he said. “The politicians are now really clear, the VE parade will go ahead.”
“It would be daft not to have one, absolutely daft,” he said, adding: “I’m really looking forward to VE celebrations, the 80th anniversary.”
Sally Symington, the Lib Dem leader of Dacorum Council, said: “I am deeply proud of our community’s role in the Allied victory in Europe 80 years ago, and in our armed forces heritage.
“That’s why I and my cabinet have asked council officers to look again at their decision and do whatever it takes to put on a parade, as well as the street parties I hope lots of neighbourhoods take part in.”
Commemorations for VE Day on May 8 are being planned across the country, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey with the Royal Family in attendance.
And just days ago, the Royal British Legion said that the anniversary celebrations could be the last big chance to thank Britain’s Second World War heroes.
Commemorations for VE Day (pictured) on May 8 are being planned across the country, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey
ENGLISH HERITAGE
Alongside the nationally-planned events, the RBL itself is set to host an anniversary tea party and service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on the day.
Despite the countrywide programme of events, Smith-Wright claimed VE Day 80 was more of a chance for “normal people” to spend the day “celebrating in their communities, sharing food, sitting at a table celebrating.”
Smith-Wright also claimed the council had “done quite a bit of celebrating last year” to mark the authority’s own 50th birthday.
That sparked a local outcry led by Conservative councillor Graeme Elliot, who said: “My father fought in that war, I had an uncle that died in the Battle of France, that was the golden generation.
“You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here.”
And Labour MP for Hemel Hempstead, David Taylor, also joined in the criticism.
‘You think that 50 years of a celebration of a council is far more important than the men and women that gave their lives so that we could stand here,’ Graeme Elliot fumed
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He said: “I am disappointed by the Liberal Democrat-led council’s decision to reject the proposal for a military parade. I believe a parade is what our armed forces deserve.”
On Wednesday, a furious council statement descried “misinformation” over their cancellation of VE Day.
“The Council has not cancelled its VE Day commemoration event or rejected calls for military parades as reported. VE Day belongs to all of us. We are absolutely committed to honouring the sacrifice of our armed forces and ensuring their memory lives on,” it read.
“The Council has a long and proud history of supporting commemorative events and our armed forces community.
“We have long-standing commitments for VE Day and can confirm that the Council will be holding a joint commemorative event with the Royal British Legion on May 8 at Boxmoor War Memorial as planned, to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth.
On Wednesday, a furious council statement descried ‘misinformation’ over their cancellation of the VE Day parade (file photo)
PA
“The commemorative event will be attended by the Lord-Lieutenant, who is His Majesty’s most senior representative in the county. This will include parade formalities at the War Memorial.
“Over the last several weeks, we have encouraged communities across Dacorum to host street parties over the May bank holiday weekend through free street closures from Hertfordshire County Council, with information available on our website VE Day street parties.
“We have also purchased two 80th anniversary ‘Tommy Statues’ which will be placed in Tring Memorial Gardens and in the Walled Gardens, Gadebridge Park, as permanent reminders of our nation’s fallen soldiers and those who continue to serve.
“In addition to this, the Council is delivering a celebratory Armed Forces Day event in June, a commemorative service for VJ Day in August and our annual Remembrance Parade on November 9 and Remembrance Day service on November 11 2025.
“These days are important reminders of the sacrifices made by millions of people around the world to bring peace and freedom to future generations and protect against those who seek to divide us.”
