Calls for permanent Iraq memorial

Jennifer Conway
The Politics Show London

Sir Keith Park had a memorial statue unveiled in Trafalgar Square

The UK National Defence Association has launched a campaign for a permanent memorial to the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

They hope that such a memorial would raise awareness of our troops throughout the entire year.

The campaign was inspired by a speech given in London last month by General Stanley McChrystal, commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

But not everyone agrees.

Air Vice Marshall Greg Bagwell, RAF, told the BBC "We just want their (the publics) support...we don't need statutes cluttering up London."

Battle of Britain

On 4 November, a memorial statue of Sir Keith Park was unveiled on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.

Sir Keith is celebrated as the architect of the battle of Britain campaign.

The statue honouring the chief will move to a permanent home in Waterloo Place in six months time.

The Fourth plinth is currently used as temporary home for contemporary works of British of art, but some people think it could be put to better use.

So, does London need a more visible reminder of its troops, or are there better ways to spend money to support the armed forces?

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