Reform UK London AMs face fury for skipping Remembrance Service

Reform London Assembly Members have come under fire after failing to attend the annual Remembrance Service held at City Hall to honour those who gave their lives in war. The event, hosted by the City Hall branch of the Royal British Legion, featured a 60-minute service and a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the members of London's government bodies who died during the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts. It was described as "an opportunity to reflect on the great sacrifices made by our armed forces".

However, neither of Reform UK's two Assembly Members, Alex Wilson AM or Keith Prince AM, attended the ceremony. Mr Prince attended a speech from his party leader, Nigel Farage, instead of going to the service.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Susan Hall AM, leader of the Conservative Party in London, said: "Today, all of my Conservative colleagues and I attended the GLA's annual remembrance service." She added: "As London Assembly Members it is right that we represent our constituents at events like these, if Assembly Members in other parties decide it is beneath them, that is on their conscience."

However Reform hit back with a spokesman for the City Hall Reform party saying that both of their members where "dedicated to the act of remembrance, and are proud to have taken part in services both at home and abroad to pay their respects to the heroes that have served this country."

They described it as a "very sad state of affairs that Labour and the Conservatives have attempted to politicise what ought to be a serious and solemn occasion."

The annual service, which brings together representatives from across London's different political parties, commemorates those who served and died in the defence of the United Kingdom. It is organised jointly by the Greater London Authority, the Royal British Legion and the armed forces community.

This year's ceremony was particularly poignant, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with tributes paid to those who served during the conflict and to those who continue to serve today.

Bassam Mahfouz, a Labour Assembly Member said that Reform was "conspicuous by their absence". He added that it was "a moment when representatives from all parties should stand together to honour the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and to show solidarity with our armed forces and emergency services."

Mr Mahfouz added: "Their courage binds us as a nation - we will remember them."

It is understood that Mr Wilson was away, as part of a Reform delegration to Israel, where he visited a Commonwealth war graves site on Sunday. Mr Prince attended two events in his constituency over the weekend, and will attend another tomorrow.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who attended and laid a wreath, said: "City Hall's annual Remembrance Service is a powerful moment of reflection and an opportunity to honour the immense courage and sacrifice of those who serve in our Armed Forces.

"This year marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War and we pay tribute to all those brave servicemen and women who gave their lives in defence of our freedom.

"As we continue to build a better London for everyone, their legacy endures in the values we uphold and the peace we enjoy."

The Chair of the London Assembly, Len Duvall OBE AM, said: "The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War reminds us of the debt we owe to those who gave their lives to protect our country, our values and the rights of billions around the world.

"Britain and her allies came together to defend democracy against totalitarianism and fascism being imposed on other countries - struggles that echo across the world today.

"The London Assembly remembers those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and stands steadfast alongside armed forces personnel, past and present, to thank them for their service to our city and our country."

The ceremony, which took place at City Hall, was attended by Assembly Members, armed forces representatives, veterans and faith leaders. The Last Post and two minutes of silence were observed before wreaths were laid in remembrance of the fallen.

The service is one of the key annual civic events in the City Hall calendar and is seen as a symbolic moment of unity among London's political leaders.