Unbelievable!!!!

[Moli]

God preserve us from politicians...



The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012
London Olympics because they are deemed 'too British'.


Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be
'offensive' to other countries taking part in the Games. The display
team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team 'too
militaristically British.' Red Arrows pilots were said to be 'outraged',
as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games,
something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a
British-based event for being 'too British' is an insult - the Arrows
are a symbol of Britain.

The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas
trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the
world.
The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was
announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly
spectacular.
It is to be hoped that common sense prevails.
If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012

[EmmaG]

It seems to me that some people are ashamed to be british.

[yola]

That really is a shame. The Olympics, whilst a forum for international sportmanship is also an opportunity for the host country to really bang their own drum about their country/heritage and is a great tourism opportunity.

Saying the Red Arrows are militaristic is total rubbish. They are brilliant; they sometimes practice up above our office (we're not far from Benson airfield) and each time it leaves me speechless - I love them - and I am a total pacifist and about as anti-war as you can get!!

[Kazz]

I tell you, sometimes I wonder how far the politicians and "do gooders" think we will go....the British public I mean, how far before we stand up and say "enough is enough" I wonder who makes these descisions.....and more to the point WHY.....

You are right Emma, it seems "certain" people want us to be ashamed of being British.
Before long we "British" will be an endangered species...

[Kazz]

Well well welll just went to sign the petition to find this.

The Prime Minister's Office has responded early to a petition on its website declaring "untrue" rumours that the Red Arrows had been banned from the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.
The petition claimed that "The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the RAF Red Arrows as Unsuitable for the 2012 Olympics because they are too British," but the response to the petition, posted ahead of the closing date, makes clear that the Red Arrows have not been banned from the opening ceremony for 2012 and that no decision on the ceremony has actually been made.
The organising committee of London 2012 will decide what to include in the Opening Ceremony and other celebrations - but with almost five years to go, decisions are yet to be made on what these will look like.
Speaking on the issue, Red Arrows spokesman Rachel Huxford said:

"We have had no discussions about the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics whatsoever. We are still planning our 2008 season at this stage and that is a long way off.
"We understand that no decision has yet been made about the ceremony. We performed when London won its Olympic bid in 2005 after we received a standard request from the Olympic organisers."

So maybe a storm in a teacup or not...will have to wait and see.

[angieh]

Wonder who started the rumour - don't suppose it was "our Moli" - where did you hear it Moli???

[Moli]

I got it from my sister...It still could be true...as Kazz says we will have to wait and see..

[dandysmom]

Thanks for that post, Kazz; even though I'm only part British by heritage that outraged me and I would have signed the petition! I gather that they are like our Blue Angels who do those utterly dramatic flights...
Who does start all these rumors...???

[Kazz]

No idea if it is a rumour but the petition was on the 10 Downing street website. And the reply I've posted appears to have been posted by the Downing St press office.

I have signed the Petition anyhow there may be a storm in a teacup - or is it no smoke without fire.

[Kazz]

Oh meant to say 32,000 some odd people had signed the petition when I signed.