Support our Troops

Conservative Cllrs were shocked and disgusted at the Leader of the Council, Lib Dem Cllr Derek Osbourne’s flippant attitude towards the Conservative suggestion to recognise the efforts of our men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Tuesday’s Council Meeting, Conservative Cllr Robert-John Tasker asked the Leader of the Council what services the Council provides to military personnel currently serving and what services the Council provides to men and women on their return from overseas. Councillor Derek Osbourne had no idea how many of his residents are serving their country, and saw no need to publicly recognise them.

An ardent Pacifist who does not attend Kingston’s Remembrance Day Services, gave the impression Cllr Tasker was wasting his time, as he joked with members of the panel before getting around to answering the question. He dismissed Cllr Tasker’s suggestion by saying that he would not want servicemen and women to have to face public humiliation from the residents of Kingston not supporting them and their ‘unpopular war’.

This time last year, nearly 6,500[1] men and women were in the Regular Forces from London. Conservative Cllrs would like to emphasise that the brave and perilous work they do for us is no laughing matter and should be rewarded with public acknowledgement.

We are not interested in Cllr Osbourne’s personal hatred of the Iraq war, we are asking the Leader of our Council to support the men and women who fight and die to preserve our way of life and our democracy - an institution that Derek Osbourne seems happy to participate.

Cllr Robert-John Tasker said: ''It is utterly irresponsible for somebody in Cllr. Osbourne's position to completely dismiss the idea of a military parade for the bravest and most gallant individuals who are trying to bring democracy to countries gripped by civil war and tyranny. This goes to show the Lib Dems are not just out of touch with the ordinary general public but are clueless when it comes to protection of our people''.