Remembrance parade cancelled over insurance issues

The Royal British Legion's branch in Walton-on-the-Naze announced it had cancelled its Remembrance Sunday parade

The organisers of a Remembrance Sunday parade said they had no choice but to cancel the event because of insurance issues.

In a post on Facebook, the local branch of the Royal British Legion said the decision to cancel the event in Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex had "not been taken lightly".

The main Remembrance Sunday service and wreath-laying would take place as planned, the legion said.

Local MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would pay for the insurance if it was able to be arranged, but that the parade was currently not going ahead.

Nigel Farage was elected MP for the Clacton constituency in the July 2024 general election

The legion said the cancellation was because of "changes in insurance regarding parades".

"Plans are already being looked into to bring the parade back next year," it continued.

The BBC has been unable to determine which organisation arranged the public liability insurance for previous events.

The Royal British Legion said although its members attend and support Remembrance events, parades on public land were civic functions and the responsibility of local authorities.

"Whilst we are happy to be consulted and provide assistance to organisers, the legion is not responsible for, nor takes any final decisions regarding the delivery of these events," the charity said.

Frinton and Walton Town Council told the BBC it had no involvement with the Remembrance Sunday parades in the town.

Tendring District Council also said it had no involvement with the Walton-on-the-Naze event, although it did help to organise the Remembrance Sunday event in Clacton-on-Sea.

Insurance "would be the responsibility of the event organiser", the authority added.