Iraq soldiers hopeful of Birmingham homecoming parade
A homecoming parade for Midland soldiers has been scrapped because it would pose too great a security risk, it emerged today.
The Queen’s Royal Hussars, who are currently based in Basra, Iraq, had been hopeful of marching through Belfast in front of thousands of their friends and families.
But now the regiment, who predominantly recruit from the West Midlands and Northern Ireland, have been told the parade has been scrapped amid fears it could ignite further troubles in the region.
The Queen’s Royal Hussars, who are currently mentoring the Iraqi Security Forces ahead of their departure, will be some of the last British troops to leave Basra this spring.
It is their third tour of duty since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Lieutenant Justin Kennedy-Lunde, said: “We were hopeful of having a homecoming parade in Belfast after our return later this year.
“But the emails I have seen indicate that this is now highly unlikely.
“The Royal Irish regiment encountered problems and counter protests when they held a homecoming parade.
“Put that together with recent events in Northern Ireland and the idea is no longer an option.”
Nine days ago, Sapper Mark Quinsey, aged 23, from Yardley Wood, was one of two soldiers shot dead by terrorists as he picked up a pizza delivery from outside his Masereene Barracks, in Antrim.
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