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Remembrance and the role of political parties
• AS a former mayor of Camden and ex-serviceman I was also not amused to see the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Jo Shaw, at the mayor’s civic service get herself into the wreath-bearing group at the memorial at Euston station – to place a wreath there from herself while her actions were dutifully filmed by a Liberal Democrat member of the council for, one assumes, future publicity in the months leading up to the general election.
I really don’t accept any politician from any party, including mine, doing this for what seems to be publicity reasons and if this is going to be ongoing year after year then it should be considered by the council that all political parties can lay wreaths as they do at the Cenotaph.
To push one’s way into the accredited and recognised wreath-laying party is not on.
Frankly this is a day when we remember those who fell and suffered in wars and not a day when we seek publicity for ourselves.
Cllr Roger Robinson
Former Mayor of Camden
Paying respect
• I FIND it appalling that Labour and Conservative councillors have complained about Jo Shaw’s appearance at the war memorial last Sunday.
I cannot believe that they have used such a sensitive issue to attack Jo. They seem to forget that Remembrance Day isn’t about being Labour or Conservative; it’s about showing human principles and paying respect to those who have served our nation regardless of political background. Jo was doing just that and not gatecrashing!
Nazia Gofur
Oval Road, NW1
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