Lib Dem Shame.

 'Betrayal of Britain’s war heroes' Council sparks fury as it bans VE day parade.

Veterans, families, and local residents in the town have been denied a parade to mark the occasion.

By Lotti OBrien

19:55, Tue, Apr 8, 2025 

Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire will not host a VE day parade (Image: Getty)

A “woke” council was branded “shameful” after rejecting calls for a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day because it is “elitist”. Liberal Democrats denied residents the opportunity for a formal ceremony and instead suggested they host their own street parties. Commemorations across the country on May 8 will mark the end of World War 2 in Europe, including a church service attended by the Royal Family.

But Dacorum Borough Council in Hertfordshire will not honour veterans, families, and local residents with a parade to mark the occasion. Shadow defence minister David Reed, a Royal Marines veteran, said the decision was an “outrageous” attempt to erase British history. “If it makes me elitist to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, freedom over tyranny and bravery over cowardice, then lock me up and throw away the key,” he said.

March 8 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Image: Getty)

READ MORE: Tributes flood in as 'exceptional' WW2 RAF heroine dies age 102

Asked why there wasn’t going to be a military parade, Lib Dem Councillor Caroline Smith-Wright replied: “We have decided at this point to enable communities to come together and have street parties and I think that is for the community, that is for everyone, that encompasses everybody – it doesn’t just leave the elite and people to just, kind of, parade.

“This is about normal people celebrating in their communities, bringing people together, sharing food, sitting at a table, celebrating and I think that’s a fine way to celebrate VE Day.”

Mr Reed called her statement “gobsmacking”. Drawing on his own experiences, he said: “It is one of the privileges of my life to serve in the Royal Marines before entering Parliament. I know first-hand how important these events for our veterans are.

“That this party was denied for being too ‘elitist’ is gobsmacking. These parades give a moment to celebrate those who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. Above all, they are there to bring the whole community together.”

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, labelled the council's stance as “tone deaf”.

He said: “It’s no surprise that Lib Dem-run Dacorum Council has capitulated to woke ideology by refusing to honour those who fought and died for our country.

“Dismissing patriots who wish to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice as 'elite' isn’t just tone deaf – it’s a shameful betrayal of Britain’s war heroes. Lib Dems should hang their heads in shame.”