Well this is just crazy! And the reasons given defy belief, particularly when you take into account the currently pending Chinese Olympics!
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 online petition. Please.
This is the current response from the PM’s office, where they deny the allegation. But remember it’s the Organizers who are trying to ban the Red Arrows. Not the PMs office. Apathy in these matters will often mean that these kind of stupid decisions go forward.. So please sign the petition.
PM’s Office response..
This allegation is not true. The Government has not banned the Red Arrows from the London 2012 Olympic Games. 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.
And of course the Red Arrows played a memorable role in the celebrations for 2012, when they flew over Trafalgar Square to mark London winning the Games.
