Calls to reverse decision to refuse Royal Regiment of Scotland freedom of Glasgow
A decision to refuse the Royal Regiment of Scotland the freedom of Glasgow has been criticised by politicians.
The proposal was defeated after a council vote where the Scottish National Party and Green Party councillors objected to the motion brought by Labour councillor James Adams.
Politicians branded it a "shocking decision" with one MP saying it was an "insult to Glaswegians".
Councillor Adams said he was astonished by the decision to refuse the civic honour to the regiment as it marks it 20th anniversary.
He said: “Astonishing that @GlasgowCC has voted to deny the The SCOTS Freedom of the City of Glasgow, breaking a tradition that Glasgow has had for generations.
“Apparently giving organisations Freedom of the City is 'inherently problematic' according the Glasgow SNP group.”
During the meeting SNP members Bailie Norman McLeod complained that the Lord Provost and Armed Forces Champion had not been consulted on the motion.
Instead, tey called for the reinstatement of Scotland’s ancient regiments, while Councillor Declan Blench raised concern that giving the honour to groups rather than individuals would risk making the council a "hostage to fortune".
The motion to offer the regiment the honour was defeated after a 39 to 28 vote in favour of the SNP-Green amendment.
The decision has sparked criticism from politicians with calls for the council to reconsider it.
Former reservist and Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney said: "As a former member of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, I am ashamed by the crass refusal by Glasgow City Council to grant the Freedom of the City of Glasgow to the regiment on its 20th anniversary.
"There are hundreds of serving and former members who are Glaswegian.
"We lost friends in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Half of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have already granted Freedom status to the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"Next month, the regiment will receive the Freedom of Dundee.
"I hope Glasgow City Council will reflect on this tone-deaf decision and reconsider it."
MP for Glasgow North East Maureen Burke said: “More than 20 councils have granted the SCOTS freedom status to mark their 20th anniversary.
"Shockingly the SNP and Greens in Glasgow City Council voted against granting the regiment Freedom of the City of Glasgow.
"This is an insult to the Glaswegians currently serving in our Armed Forces and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Councillors must rethink this decision and grant this respectful and unifying civic honour."
The regiment already has been awarded the freedom of Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with other areas across the country also bestowing the unit the civic honour.
Royal Navy veteran and MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Andrew Bowie added: "Shocking decision by SNP Glasgow City Council.
"The service of our men and women in the Armed Forces who stand ready to fight and defend our way of life should be recognised and rewarded.
"The Royal Regiment of Scotland should have the Freedom of our largest city."
MP, veteran and former security minister Tom Tugendhat said: "Glasgow is a great city.
"Its connection to HM Armed Forces goes back generations. Sailors and soldiers set off from the Clyde to fight for the King for centuries.
"Ships brought trade and wealth leading to the glorious past that made the once 'second city of empire' one of the most amazing cities in Britain today.
"Rejecting that history won’t change the past, but it says clearly what some think of those who walked these streets before.
"That’s a choice. It says everything."
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