MoD fury as Brown wields axe

[Roland Pulfrew]

TMJ

Tis a fair cop, but....

Surely a march by Forces personnel, their family and friends would not be taking part in

the affairs of any political organisation, party or movement

. A stroll along Whitehall, en masse, might not be a

political march

. And finally if we all turned up (or at least all of us who aren't currently in sunnier climes), in civvies, what are they going to do? Court martial all of us? And given that the Police have set a precedent, the Govt would be hard pressed to take any action at all. In fact Ms Blair and her chambers might have an interesting human rights case on their hands if they did.

Just a thought....

[Beatriz Fontana]

Police officers aren't allowed to march either, but they did...

[The Masked Geek]

Like I mentioned over on E-goat, if we call it an "Indeterminate Sexual Orientation Pride" march on paper, they'd probably arrange the whole thing for us.

[TheInquisitor]

Regular Service personnel are not to take an active part in the affairs of any political organisation, party or movement. They are not to participate in political marches

...but it's ok as long as it's a 'Gay Rights' parade, in uniform...

Precedent set, methinks.

How about this for sending a message: March, en masse, up the Mall, face the palace, have a band play the National Anthem during a General Salute; them march down to No 10, form up, face AWAY from the door and.....2 minute silence. That'll send a strong message...

[timzsta]

That Inquisitor is a mighty fine idea.

[Tigs2]

Inquisitor

Nice one! I thought about the 'turning the back' at Downing street, but I love the idea of the National Anthem outside Buck Palace. The whole thing would be a very powerful message.

How many police and families turned up for their march, anyone know?

[MReyn24050]

Tigs
I will certainly march in the ranks with the Ex-service personnel in support.
Mel

[A2QFI]

None of this will be legal if it takes place without a permit and within 1 km of Downing Street. Google for "Maya Evans" to see what happened to her when she read out the names of the war dead at the Cenotaph! I do agree that the police could not, and might not even want to, serve writs on all marchers or arrest them. However, there is an underlying problem.

[PTT]

It would be great if the police DID arrest everyone. That'd put a halt to the whole Iraq/Afghanistan thing right smartly - nobody left to send as we're all banged up!

[The Helpful Stacker]

Well if this march does go ahead I will definitely dig out my RAF tie, crimpoline slacks and blazer and make my way to the smoke to support those who continue to serve.

[JessTheDog]

J1012. Political Activities- General. Sponsor: DP&T Discip Pol (RAF)
(1) Regular Service personnel are not to take an active part in the affairs of any political organisation, party or movement. They are not to participate in political marches or demonstrations.

Very true, but - as pointed out - the phrasing offers plenty of wriggle room, and mass participation would prevent too much of a burden for disciplinary or administrative action.

None of this will be legal if it takes place without a permit and within 1 km of Downing Street. Google for "Maya Evans" to see what happened to her when she read out the names of the war dead at the Cenotaph! I do agree that the police could not, and might not even want to, serve writs on all marchers or arrest them. However, there is an underlying problem.

A permit would be obtained. This is not really in doubt. The police themselves marched and there is too much ill-will between government and the police to allow them to bring pressure to bear. In the unlikely event that a permit was not obtained, then there are plenty of contingencies and alternatives and the negative publicity of trying to ban a march and gag supporters of the Armed Forces would have a huge impact: "we can deliver democracy but can't practice it at home".

The litmus test is if this idea carries on over the next few days on this thread and ARRSE with some serious suggestions coming forward...which there are. The point about the march would not be about appealling to Broon's conscience and making him think twice about how he treats the Armed Forces, but appearing to his sense of self-preservation and making him think about the consequences of widespread public anger at the next election.

[brokenlink]

Get rid of the MoD in total.

Battler,
That is exactly what the cretins in the Government seem to be trying to do! Pushing the support out to an industrial "partner" whose main aim is to satisfy their shareholders is frankly barking and a hell of a kick in the teeth to the Service & Civilian personnel who work their butts off trying to ensure that the guys at the front line get the right kit. If you then include the manpower cuts in the support areas it is a wonder that anything gets done. Sheer grittiness by all those involved is what is keeping the system going.

BL

[Guzlin Adnams]

That last post by AIDU, oh dear.
I'm a civvy, not a journo and I don't have family in the forces but if there is to be a show public support for the forces which is combined with a protest against this b awful government and what it's doing I'll be there; as I was in my home town when the Vikings matched through last year.
I bet Ross Kemp would be interested. Try Martin Bell....that white outfit of his, it's more famous than he is! Leaflets at football matches, posters etc....talk will get around.
You can either sit on the fence and be 5hat on from a great height or do something about it. As for a symbol, try a broken arrow.

PS (Nicky Campbell's going to Lakenheath this week. Wonder if he's aware that USAFE have got more aircraft there than the whole of the RAF can get servicable due to cutbacks.)

[minigundiplomat]

Have to agree with AIDU, much as that may hurt. There is a lot of talk, but I don't think I'll be buying a SE Trains supersaver ticket just yet. If you are going to do it, fine...count me in. But if you are just going to 'form a committee' with a view to exploring issues, then I'll pass.
CAS has been criticised quite rightly for sitting on his hands, but I don't think getting all steamed up with plans for a revolution on here, in the hope that a tame journo will take the story on is going to work.

[LBGR]

Anyone see this programme?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...le/6613759.stm

[cargosales]

AIDU

Good call mate. It never works when people band together to try and influence the politicians does it?

Except for things like this http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Headley/ and this http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=284330 and this http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/...c/t=72560.html


The one thing the majority of the Armed Forces seem to have in common is a 'can-do', let's give it a try', 'what have we got to lose' approach to things. Fortunately they are usually able to ignore the whingers and knockers such as yourself and get on with it.

Did it enter your negative little mind at all that our beloved Prime Minister might not be so much bothered by a parade or protest itself but he and his cronies would sure as hell sit up and take note of the press coverage it would generate?

Some examples, relating to the campaign above,

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1770

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../28/do2804.xml

http://www.surreyad.co.uk/news/2013/...hbours_unhappy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/surrey/6918675.stm

I could go on with dozens more.

If a local campaign can generate that level of media attention and support in such a short space of time, and achieve a great result to boot, shouldn't you be asking yourself what you could be doing to help this one???

CS

[chappie]

All I can say is for those of you who don't know me I understand your trepidation at whether this is a serious idea. Well, it is. I am aware of the channels that have to be gone through and have been on a mass March through the centre of London and have contacts with those who may help with organising it. I have started ball rolling in getting necessary information before even continuing onto next step.

I know that there are limitations placed on those of you serving and that dilemma I leave to you, but there comes a point my friends where the recording of another unlawful death tends to turn the stomach. We must not let the ears of the British public become closed and unaffected to those words, there will be those who will disagree but plenty that will support. So, come with your families, friends and the like. By the time I'm done there won't be some tame journalist but the major channels and more. If I thought there's no point as no one will take notice then I wouldn't have done all I did for the herc safety campaign. I lost my brother and await the inquest, his coroner is meeting with armed forces minister to discuss funding and equipping of troops and I know I can't get Bob back but I can stop stop someone else going through this hell that's left when you do lose someone.

You need the funds and so you need to fight for them.

Keep the faith.

[HILF]

Marching - the Military Way

Chappie,

I'm sure that if it can be organised so as to be legal (and if the police can do it, that must have set some form of precident) then people will attend in droves.

I for one will come up to town and (probably more importantly) I'll pass on the details to others.

The idea of a signified "ignoring" of MOD MB and Downing St has much appeal - as is the "smartly dressed" march concept - will the RAF wear cravats?


I wish you well in your research and await the results with great interest.


HILF

[mutleyfour]

If were going to max afterburner on this, could/should we include a minutes silence?

[chappie]

right then, the update. i have put out my feelers and hopefully by the end of today i am going to be a little closer to making this a reality.

i have also created a petition on the n10 website. i am awaiting approval but will put in the link now in case that it will be open to signatures! i am afraid chaps and chappeses that i am not computer savvy so i've done well to achieve what i have so far...i.e place a reply on this thread..fnar fnar