Tory lords fight to keep RUC badge

The RUC's badge is the focus of intense debate

Conservative peers are to defy the government over plans to change the badge of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

The seemingly symbolic matter of the force's insignia has become a key issue in the peace process.

Unionists say the change of name and badge, recommended by the Patten Commission, is a step too far while nationalists and republicans insist it is an essential part of the Good Friday Agreement.

Outlining their thinking a day ahead of a key Lords vote on the issue the Tory peers said if the badge is changed it will destroy the force's morale.

The focus of their protest will be a key vote on Wednesday during the final third reading of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill.

Dishonouring their past and taking away their badge of honour will weaken their morale

Lord Cope

Tory peers believe that although the legislation has been in the main accepted by the Lords, there are serious concerns that it goes much further than is necessary.

Opposition front bench spokesman Lord Glentoran told a Westminster news conference: "As this bill goes through the RUC will be stripped of its name, stripped of its cap badge and basically stripped of its identity.

"Its management is being changed, its lines of reporting are being changed. Not all bad but nevertheless there is huge change taking place.

"And we need a police force with good morale, pride and professionalism," he said.

"Defended democracy"

His fellow peer, Lord Cope of Berkeley, the opposition front bench spokesman on the bill said members of the RUC, Protestant and Catholic alike, "have defended democracy with their lives" while wearing the badge.

To change it now "is to insult the memory of those who fell. It also assumes that the struggle is over, which is premature at best.

"It takes a high degree of daily courage to face the dangers that the RUC have experienced for decades.

"Dishonouring their past and taking away their badge of honour will weaken their morale in the fight against terrorism and the cruel criminal rackets that disfigure Northern Ireland."

The Tories have outlined their strategy on the bill as the Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has called for a halt to police reforms until the province is free from terrorism.