Andrew Rosindell M.P. has today released a statement following Havering Council's decision not to fund the Christmas lights and trees this year.
This is an annual tradition which has long been cherished by residents in Romford and Collier Row.
The Council has cited financial constraints as the reason for cancelling this year's Christmas events, but Mr. Rosindell believes this decision is not only unjustified but an affront to the Christian heritage of the United Kingdom.
His statement is as follows:
This year there will be no Christmas tree in Romford or Collier Row. There will also be no Christmas lights switch-on in Romford or Collier Row. The London Borough of Havering has cancelled Christmas, with the Leader of Havering Council saying that ‘we have no choice’ but to do so. However, Havering Council does have a choice. Christianity is the foundation of the heritage of our nation, our constitution, institutions, and British way of life. Key amongst this heritage is the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This year, the Council has actively chosen to deny the right of local people to publicly celebrate this important holiday and I am appalled! Havering Council facilitates and participates in all manner of religious celebrations and ceremonies throughout the year, and have always done so for our national Christian religion. I therefore stand with local people in calling on the Council to urgently reverse this decision and arrange the usual Christmas celebrations to take place this year. No administration of any political colour has the right to abolish Christmas in Romford and Collier Row, denying residents of our town the ability to celebrate their religious traditions!
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
