Martyn Jones

Labour Party | Clwyd South

MPs Demand Respect For Regiments’ Identity And Equal Treatment For Wales

Martyn Jones, MP for Clwyd South along with a coalition of MPs and other dignitaries today presented a hefty petition of signatures to number 10 encouraging the government to rethink it’s policy on the renaming of two of Wales’ most identifiable infantry regiments.

Mr. Jones involved himself with the lobby after he discovered that in the government’s recent re-organisation of infantry regiments, Wales was not being treated in the most equitable manner regarding the proposed changes.

Despite requests made by members of each regiment to maintain respect for the identity and traditions in renaming the regiments, for example, ‘The Royal Welch Fusiliers (1st Battalion The Royal Welch), or the Royal Regiment of Wales (2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh), it was revealed by the government that these proud names were to be demoted to brackets and in the future would be known as The Royal Welsh (The Royal Welch Fusiliers) or 2nd Battalion The Royal Welch (The Royal Regiment of Wales). 

Mr.  Jones cannot understand why the government has granted similar requests made in Scotland in response to the changes while at the same time denying Wales respect for it’s proud infantry traditions.  He hopes that today’s petition will ensure that these traditions are upheld and respected.

Commenting on the lobby, Mr. Jones said:

“I fully support the campaign, and have written to the Secretary of state for Defence asking that Wales is treated equitably with Scotland in regards to the renaming of regiments.  It is important that such identities and traditions are maintained, especially as both regiments have endured a history that we should all take note of and respect.  Respect aside, I seriously question the government’s decision to treat Wales less equitably and hope that today’s petition will go someway to rectifying the situation.”