Shop should show respect for our soldiers, says Martin (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Shop should show respect for our soldiers, says Martin

November 9, 2009 5:41 PM

CHELTENHAM MP Martin Horwood is to take the Remembrance Day music row to the top of the company responsible. The Promenade branch of Jack Wills observed the minimum agreed silence after 11 o'clock on Sunday, leaving Martin and other civic dignitaries to lay their wreaths in peace. But the shop resumed loud music soon afterwards while others were still paying their respects at Cheltenham's cenotaph. Offended onlookers argued with staff but they refused to turn the music off again.

Martin, who is also secretary of the all-party group for corporate responsibility which encourages ethical and responsible behaviour amongst companies, is now taking the matter to Peter Williams, chief executive of Jack Wills Ltd who own the Jack Wills brand. 'The shop needs to show some respect' said Martin. 'Remembrance Day is a very solemn occasion and it was particularly well attended this year, with many minds certainly turning to the current conflict in Afghanistan and the continuing loss of British life there. This is the second time there has been an issue with the Jack Wills shop and I hoped it had been resolved. But clearly the staff have been told to honour the letter of their agreement with the Borough Council not the spirit of it. I think I need to get the message through loud and clear to their bosses that responsible companies don't behave like this. Local staff need to be told to act with sensitivity and respect.'

'At the Festival of Remembrance later the same day, Andrew Dow of St.Matthew's reminded us sharply that selfish materialism was in danger of eclipsing more important values. I think the owners of this shop need to take that message to heart.'