Robin Newton MBE MLA

ROBIN Newton East Belfast DUP MLA has welcomed the U-turn decision of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stevenson to lift the ban on officers wearing Union Flag badges in support of the British troops serving abroad.

Robin Newton said,

“This about face is a welcome, though low-awaited, decision and an example of good direction by Sir Paul Stevenson in reaction to pressure from his officers and the general public. However, the decision should not apply to one force only but rather should be put into practice across all the UK police forces.

There are many officers throughout the PSNI who have an understanding and empathy with the young men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like their colleagues in the Met they would want to publicly show their support in a tangible way for those young service personnel who daily face high risks.

The wearing of the official Union Flag badge, by those who want to encourage the troops, would allow that support to be visible and proper.

In his final days in office this is an excellent example that Sir Hugh Orde could copy. Allowing his officers to display their support for service personnel who are paying a heavy price in defence of freedom would be popular within the ranks and the public. Those who are serving in foreign fields need to know they are being appreciated for the difficult and dangerous job they are doing on our behalf. ”