SNP Councillors fail in attempt to block flying of Union flag
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has welcomed the news that the Forth Estuary Transport Authority has agreed to her call for the Union flag to fly on Forth Road Bridge to mark the centenary anniversary of the First World War.
Liz Smith MSP wrote to Forth Estuary Transport Authority after a number of Fife constituents contacted her. Across Scotland various plans have already been announced to commemorate this historic anniversary including the support to every secondary school in Scotland to help them carry out educational visits to Western Front battlefields.
The Forth Estuary Transport Authority has agreed by 6 voters to 2 to fly the Union flag on Forth Road Bridge on the 28th July. Cllr Joe Giacopazzi (SNP - Perth & Kinross Council) and Cllr Ian Chisholm (SNP – Fife Council) voted against the proposal in a desperate bid to try to block the proposal.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“2014 is a very important year for many reasons but perhaps most importantly is the fact that this year sees the centenary anniversary of the First World War.
“I very much welcome the various plans already announced to commemorate this historic anniversary including the support to every secondary school in Scotland to help them carry out educational visits to Western Front battlefields.
“For generations our Armed Forces have served our country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defence. In so doing, they have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values.
“Every Scottish family will have had a family member who has fought for their country in the First World War. The men who gave their lives in the Great War will remain heroes forever. The last British Veteran has now died but their bravery and suffering must never be forgotten.”
Commenting on the two SNP Members of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority who voted against the move, Liz Smith MSP said:
“I am very disappointed by the fact that both SNP representatives on the Forth Estuary Transport Authority Cllr Joe Giacopazzi and Cllr Ian Chisholm voted against the proposal in a desperate bid to try to block the proposal.
“The centenary anniversary of the First World War is not something which should be politicised and I am hugely disappointed that SNP representatives have decided to try to prevent what is I believe a fitting chance to mark the centenary anniversary of the First World War and something which will be seen by thousands of Scots and present them with the opportunity to remember those who gave their lives so that we can live in the freedom we enjoy today.
“I very much welcome the fact that the Saltire is flown on the Forth Road Bridge on St Andrew’s Day and I would have hoped that SNP representatives could have put the independence referendum to one side on this issue.”