Doncaster Remembrance Sunday events could go ahead as Downing Street reverses decision

Doncaster’s annual Remembrance Sunday events could go ahead this weekend after Downing Street changed its mind on events taking place in the wake of a second national lockdown.
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Yesterday, Doncaster Council had announced that the annual ceremony at the War Memorial in Bennetthorpe would not take place and there would be no town centre parade as in previous years.

Other events in towns and villages across the borough were also called off, as England prepares to return to lockdown for four weeks from Thursday.

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But Downing Street has now said events will be able to go ahead, as long as they follow Covid-19 restrictions.

Remembrance Sunday events can take place under socially distanced conditions.Remembrance Sunday events can take place under socially distanced conditions.
Remembrance Sunday events can take place under socially distanced conditions.

Events to honour those who gave their lives in the defence of the nation will be allowed to take place outside as long as social distancing measures are in place.

A national ceremony at the Cenotaph in London will also take place, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

Guidance will be issued to councils across England about how to safely mark Remembrance Sunday on November 8 and Armistice Day on November 11.

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The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s important that the country can continue to come together to remember the sacrifice of those who have died in the service of their country and we will ensure that Remembrance Sunday is appropriately commemorated while protecting public health.”

The spokesman said: “We are certainly not cancelling Remembrance Sunday events but we must be mindful of the risks such events pose, especially to veterans who are often elderly.

“What we are saying to local authorities in England is that they may organise remembrance services but they should be outside and social distance should be maintained.

“We will be updating the guidance shortly.”

Later, defence minister Johnny Mercer said: “There will be guidance given out by local authorities but remembrance events will be able to go ahead.

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“There will be a small national ceremony at the Cenotaph that we encourage people to watch on television.”

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: “We are encouraging people across the nations to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity, whether that be watching the service on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorsteps.”