Plans for Lincoln Armed Forces Day as representatives condemn USA president Donald Trump’s treatement of Ukraine

A council will explore holding a full Armed Forces Day to recognise serving members and veterans - as representatives condemn Donald Trump’s treatement of Ukraine.

City of Lincoln representatives will speak to the organisers of the Cleethorpes event, which is one of the largest in the country.

The city’s previous Armed Forces Day – which is celebrated each year in late July – was postponed during the Covid pandemic and didn’t return.

Councillors of all parties expressed their support at the budget-setting meeting on Tuesday (March 4).

Coun Bill Mara (Con) and Coun Chris Burke (Lab) will be leading a cross-party effort to explore the option, along with the portfolio holder for economic growth, Coun Joshua Wells.

The Conservative group had asked for £15,000 to be included in the budget towards exploring the option.

This was voted down, with the council’s leadership saying it wanted to plan the event properly, but there was unanimous support for the principle.

Council leader Naomi Tweddle (Lab) said: “These are exceptionally dangerous, worrying times.

“There are not many people in Lincoln not touched by the RAF or other armed forces in some way.

“We can’t support the amendments as it doesn’t have partnership support in its current space.

“If we are going to do it, we will do it properly. Watch this space.”

The debate was overshadowed by Russia’s continued invasion, with several councillors condemning US President Donald Trump’s recent treatment of Ukraine.

Coun Hilton Spratt (Con) said: “We have a proud tradition of supporting the three armed forces, and it is particularly important at the moment.

“I hope to God that men and women will not be called upon to defend Britain and Europe in conflict on the mainland.”

Coun Burke said: “We were already working with veteran communities before recent worrying events. It stopped during Covid and never got back on its feet.

“We would have liked first class day this year but unfortunately started too late.”