Former British Army spokesperson Major Mike Shearer has branded BCP council's decision not to fund VE Day celebrations in Poole as "shocking" and "absurd".
The Liberal Democrat-led Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) council has sparked outrage after announcing it has no money to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Poole.
The council confirmed it is funding events in Bournemouth and Christchurch, as well as supporting residents to hold street parties across all areas including Poole.
Speaking to GB News, former British Army spokesperson Major Mike Shearer said: "It's shocking. It is a disgrace.
Major Mike Shearer said the Council should 'be ashamed'
GB NEWS
"Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole really should be ashamed of themselves. Politics is all about competing priorities. It's as much about the art of living as it is about the science of furnishing society with the things they need.
"This is not just about the military; this is about celebrating the end of a war, a war in which we secured freedom and democracy for Europe.
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"This is something we should take very seriously. And by the way, that same council is spending millions on 20-mile-per-hour signs to furnish the streets. Come on. They should get a grip. They really need to get a grip.
"It's just absurd. It is absurd. Look, on our Remembrance Sundays, what’s heard in all the villages in this country? 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.' We must celebrate this.
"People have given their blood and their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. And this kind of stingy attitude from our councils.
"By the way, it was only a couple of weeks ago that the government was using dodgy language about sending our veterans to D-Day in June. Come on, somebody needs to wake up in this council and stop being so miserly."
A BCP council spokesman said residents were being urged to stage street parties to celebrate VE Day.
Rich Herrett, the council's portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: "If you would like to organise an event in Poole you are welcome to do so, but we are not in a position to fund that at this point."
Andy Martin, the council's portfolio holder for culture, added: "We are proud of Poole's history and involvement at Dunkirk during WWII."
The controversy comes as BCP council faces scrutiny over its spending priorities.
BCP council faces scrutiny over its spending priorities
PAWhile claiming insufficient funds for Poole's VE Day celebrations, the council is currently advertising for a new chief executive with a salary of £205,000.
Local residents have expressed their anger on social media, with one calling it a "total disrespect for our military heroes".
Another added that the decision was "a disgraceful decision and an insult to all the veterans, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice".
