Streets for real heroes
Call to name roads for VC and George Cross winners
ROADS could be named after Victoria and George Cross heroes in a move backed by Cabinet ministers as part of a ‘war on woke’.
A group of backbench Conservative MPs has put forward the plan to name new streets in honour of the brave winners of Britain’s two highest honours.
The move by the Common Sense Group has been supported by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick.
The group, made up of 59 MPs as well as seven members of the House of Lords, also wants new statues to be installed in the towns where the medal-holders were born.
The proposal comes after roads have been renamed by councils over fears of links to Britain’s imperial past with campaign group Save Our Statues fearing another 200 streets are at risk.
Last month Birmingham City Council was accused of ‘virtue signalling’ after it gave six new streets ‘ woke’ names in a move aiming to show awareness of social and racial justice issues. The roads in Perry Barr were called Diversity Grove, Equality Road, Destiny Road, Inspire Avenue, Humanity Close and Respect Way.
Mr Jenrick announced plans last week for a change in the law giving legal protection to 12,000 statues in England to stop them from being toppled by ‘baying mobs’.
He wants to ensure monuments are not removed without a formal planning process and that roads are renamed only if a clear majority of residents agree. A source close to him said he will write to councils to urge them to consider honouring heroes who have served their communities.
The insider likened the idea to the gold Royal Mail post boxes which were decorated near the homes of athletes who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics.
The Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious British honour, is given to members of the Armed Forces for extreme bravery. The George Cross, the second highest award, is given to men and women who show courage in situations of extreme danger.
The Victoria Cross has been awarded 1,358 times and there have been 408 recipients of the George Cross.
A letter sent last week by Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense Group, calling for communities to honour the achievements of their ancestors was signed by 20-plus Tory MPs. It said: ‘Tragically, too many who have given and achieved so much have been all but forgotten.
‘In many places, locals may be unaware that they tread in the footsteps of heroes.
‘ Which is why the Common Sense Group has launched a campaign to honour every recipient of the VC and GC through the
‘A powerful and enduring tribute’
erection of a statue, immortalising them in their place of birth.
‘Where this is not practically possible, these heroes could be recognised by a plaque or have a public building, park or road named or renamed after them.
‘Such a powerful and enduring tribute would play a part in bringing people together, inspiring and informing generations to come.’
Mr Dowden, who plans to meet the group this week, told the Sunday Telegraph: ‘It is important that we recognise the diverse contributions of everyone who has shaped our nation.’