Two local MPs have sought fresh assurances over the heritage of the 3rd Battalion Mercian Regiment.
Initially formed as part of a merger involving the Stafford Regiment, the 3rd Battalion is set to be axed as part of cuts to the Government’s defence budget.
But despite assurances that the heritage of The Staffords would be protected going forward, local MPs – including Michael Fabricant and Christopher Pincher – have raised fresh concerns after claims the Mercian Regiment will drop all territorial titles once the 3rd Battalion is retired from the Order of Battle.
Mr Fabricant and Mr Pincher have already written to the Prime Minister and met Defence Secretary Philip Hammond over the issue and have now sent a new letter to Brigadier Andrew Sharpe OBE, the Colonel of the Mercian Regiment.
“We hope Brigadier Sharpe will meet us in person so we can discuss our concerns,” said Mr Pincher. “As MPs representing Staffordshire we value the traditions of our local regiment and we want to preserve the name of The Staffords.
“It is important for our constituents whose family, friends and former classmates have served in the regiment. We want them to continue being proud of a local regiment with their county’s name included in it.”