Royal Navy leaked email tells sailors don't ‘feel compelled’ to wear uniform in public after stabbing

The email stated: “Further to the incident on 23rd July where an off-duty Army Officer was stabbed near Brompton Barracks, please find below guidance regarding the wearing of uniform in public: Members of the Armed Forces proudly wear their uniform, and this is an important part of our ethos.”

“However, all people who wear a uniform are at greater risk from terrorism than the average member of the public, simply by virtue of the Military's position in society and the ability for the public to recognise Service Personnel when in uniform.”

“There is no ban on the wearing of uniform in public, but personnel should not feel compelled to wear it outside MOD establishments when common sense says a lower profile would be more appropriate,” the memo continued.

“Commanding Officers or Heads of Establishment are to provide guidance on what is appropriate for their local circumstances.”

“This could possibly include not wearing uniform outside the place of work; covering uniform and military insignia when commuting to and from work; or continuing existing practice.”

Robert Bates, a political commentator, told GB News: “We now live in a society where overt gestures of pride in Britain, and what it represents, are frowned upon, not celebrated.”

“The armed forces represent the very best of our country, but these emails show that the MOD are now too embarrassed by our troops to defend their right to wear their uniform freely on British streets and have instead cowered to anti-British forces.”

“A multicultural society simply imports the grievances and bigotries of the rest of the world onto our streets.”

“Britons are forced to abandon their institutions, traditions and culture so as to avoid offence. At the same time pro-Hamas supporters are able to parade on our streets, holding signs calling for Infatada and Jihad, whilst being shielded by the political class and police.”

“Something is going terribly wrong in our country as we sleepwalk towards becoming a society that stands for nothing, preserves nothing, and allows our streets to simply become a playground for those that hate us and our way of life.”

Last week Lt Col Mark Teeton, who joined the Army 24 years ago, was repeatedly stabbed near Brompton Barracks.

Anthony Esan, 24, was charged with attempted murder of the colonel and is set to face trial.

Emma Webb, a commentator and broadcaster, said: “It is profoundly unacceptable that our servicemen and women cannot safely walk the streets of the country they defend, in uniform.”

“The MoD may regard this email as prudent advice, but it points to a serious and intolerable situation that must be addressed; as a nation, we should be deeply ashamed that we have allowed this to become a reality.”

“If we shy away from it, we will pay a high price.”

Harrison Pitt, a senior editor at The European Conservative and a political commentator at the New Culture Forum, said: “In a unified national culture, walking the streets while wearing the uniform of the British armed forces would be one of the proudest activities it is possible to imagine.”

“It is a testament to the damage wrought by diversity and multiculturalism that this simple blessing can no longer be taken for granted.”

“Do IDF soldiers in Israel need to hide their uniforms for fear of reprisal from hostile elements within the country? No. Because the Jewish people have a powerful collective identity and a strong sense of national purpose—both of which Britain used to enjoy, before we jettisoned the demographic underpinnings that make them possible in a fit of absence of mind.”

Mr Pitt concluded: “The time to row back is now.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.