Burrowes to introduce new law to get tough on war memorial vandals following Broomfield Park desecration
29th January 2010
2009 was a year of remembrance. 70 years since the outbreak of the 2nd World War, 65 years since the D Day landings and for the significant loss of lives in Afghanistan this year. It was also 60 years ago since the opening of Broomfield Park's memorial to Southgate's servicemen and civilians who died in the 2nd World War.
In 1949 Alderman Wauthier said "The Garden of Remembrance is a hallowed place and should not be interfered with". As we know, sadly last August the memorial was shamefully desecrated with the theft of the bronze memorial plaques and damage to the masonry. David Burrowes said: “I am very pleased that the Council provided a temporary replacement in time for Armistice Day and will be installing a permanent granite memorial. It is a shame the culprits have not yet been caught. However we need to toughen up the law to deal more severely with these type of offences so that once the culprits are brought to justice they receive a substantial sentence.”
In 1949 the Southgate Mayor said: "Time may dim our recollections of the heroic days of the war but will never obscure the gratitude we shall hold for those who fell. We shall not forget. This memorial is living testimony to those of whom we in Southgate are proud."
On Wednesday 3rd February David Burrowes will introduce a Desecration of War Memorials Bill in Parliament, with cross party support, to toughen up the law to allow these cases to be dealt with by Crown Courts where the judges will have access to more severe punishments that crimes of this nature deserve. David Burrowes said “The law needs to reflect the public's concern about these acts of desecration which show little respect for the brave men and women commemorated by the war memorials in our communities. Our research has revealed that over 50 acts of desecration took place across Britain last year. We need legislation to reflect that these acts are more than vandalism but are an attack on our country’s heritage and remembrance of those brave servicemen and civilians who gave their lives in our name.”
