Statues

[PhilB]

The late Queen Mother is to get a £2million memorial in London. (One is being unveiled today at Cheltenham). I seem to recall that views were being sought on what the policy should be on statues in London and, in particular, whether military men should get them. Did anything come of it? Phil B

[Hambo]

Phil

I doubt very much whether there will be many military men getting them, at least in London as long as Ken's in charge. The debate over the vacant plinth in Trafalgar Square has ended with a range of choices which frankly begger belief.

At one point there was a push for Nelson Mandela which would have been somewhat appropriate as it was to be sited opposite the South African embassy. At least Nelson is a world statesman, instead we are to be treated to a piece of the abstract "art".

Along with the suggestion of Mandela was the suggestion of a simple statue of a Tommy to represent all the soldiers who had served and those who died in the wars of the twentieth century to keep this country free.

I know where my vote would have gone

All the best Hambo