Lib Dem council is forced into U-turn on VE Day parade

KEMI Badenoch hasaccused the Liberal Democrats of fake patriotism after urging people to buy British products but rejecting calls for a military VE Day parade.

- Martyn Brown

The Tory leader hit out as Lib Dem chief Sir Ed Davey made an embarrassing U-turn.

He was forced to announce one of his party's councils would be holding an 80th anniversary event after all.

Fury had erupted as Dacorum Council in Hemel Hempstead, Herts, decided not to host it in case it would be seen as "elitist".

Commemorations are being held across the country on May 8 to mark the end of the war, including a flypast in London and a service at Westminster Abbey.

However, Dacorum council initially had no plans for a parade.

Party leader Sir Ed announced a formal ceremony will go ahead, as he made a local election campaign visit to Gloucester.

Fake

He said: "There will be a VE parade, I'm delighted to say. The council wants that.