BANNING OF RED ARROWS ... PLEASE SIGN

The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed "too British". Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be "offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games.

The display team have performed at more than 4,000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team "too militaristically British".

Red Arrows pilots were said to be "outraged", as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being "too British" is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain.

The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world. The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular.

It is to be hoped that common sense prevails, so if you disagree with this decision, please sign the petition on the link.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012

Please copy and forward this on to everyone you can.

I believe this to be quite an old hoax. I hope so because I just deleted the email that my SIS sent me :huh:

Its not a hoax! The UK govt official petitions website does not allow vexatious or false petitions to remain in place.

This is a petition which has been in place since last September and has attracted such a huge response that the PM's office has responded - see http://www.number10.gov.uk/output/Page13392.asp. They are claiming that it is "untrue" about the banning of the Reds and allege that they have not made any decisions about the 2012 Olympics yet.

Personally, I think that it was started as a genuine concern albeit possibly on half truths or rumours. However, I also believe that the UK government have probably back-pedalled like mad. I don't believe that they wouldn't have booked anything (particularly the Red Arrows) for the Olympics yet - these things are usually sorted out very early.

It was probably some pompous PC prick on the Olympic committee who made some stupid remarks which were overheard by a journo. :dunno:

However, I think its good to sign the petition anyway as a show of strength against PCism and for the Red Arrows.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now! :erm: :hide:

I thought so too, sure I remember this going round a few years ago.... :blushing: