This snapshot, taken on
02/02/2011
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.

HM Government.

HM Government

Petition to:

Seek Royal Patronage for Wootten Bassett in gratitude for its respect to HM Forces

This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Seek Royal Patronage for Wootten Bassett in gratitude for its respect to HM Forces. More details

Submitted by Mr Ryan Jones-Ralph – Deadline to sign up by: 05 June 2010 – Signatures: 7,395

More details from petition creator

Given that the people of Wootten Bassett have regulary performed the duties of Royalty and our so called politicians by welcoming home the bodies of our servicemen and women with dignity and respect and have represented the nations sympathy with modesty, this country should repay their loyalty to the crown and its armed forces by granting Royal Patronage upon the town and rename it Royal Wootten Bassett.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Wootten/

Government response

The residents of Wootton Bassett are a special group of people.  Each repatriation ceremony is honoured with respect and great dignity and the Prime Minister is conscious how much this simple tribute is appreciated by the families and friends of those tragically killed in Afghanistan.  Through these events, Wootton Bassett speaks for the whole nation in expressing our respect and support for the remarkable men and women of our armed forces. 
 
Most people involved with this solemn event say they do it not for formal recognition.  Indeed, last summer the council leader, the Mayor, their local MP and the leaders of the Wootton Branch of the Royal British Legion wrote to the national press requesting that calls for recognition cease at least until after the final repatriation has taken place. 
 
Notwithstanding this, the Prime Minister is aware how much our armed forces appreciate the support they get from the residents of Wootton Basset and this was formally recognised by a special parade through the town on 12 October 2008. 

Back to the petition list