Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 May 2011.

Armed Forces: Homecoming

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they decided not to hold a homecoming parade for the Royal Irish Rangers.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence deploys Brigades formed of light role battle groups which comprise some 600 personnel. In the past four years some 60 battle groups have deployed and recovered from Afghanistan all of which have participated in some form of homecoming event. The 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment has recently attended three homecoming parades in Newport, Market Drayton and Shrewsbury near to their home base in Tern Hill, Shropshire. A service of thanksgiving in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, is planned for 22 May to remember, to give thanks and to mark the return of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Irish Regiment, along with various other events in Northern Ireland throughout May and June. Ministry of Defence officials are discussing with Belfast City Council and other parties how best to mark the commitment of both the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Guards in a way that gives appropriate recognition for their tremendous bravery and achievement in Southern Afghanistan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8702; 727 c212WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Armed forces Peacekeeping operations Parades Royal Irish Regiment Afghanistan Irish Guards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk