MSP urges Scottish Government into action over Lancastria commemoration

Individuals involved in Britain’s worst ever maritime disaster deserve to be officially recognised and commemorated SNP MSP Christine Grahame will say during a debate at the Scottish Parliament examining the events and controversy surrounding the loss of the troopship Lancastria. Ms Grahame, who secured the debate today (Wednesday), urged Scottish Ministers to commission a commemorative Lancastria medal for survivors and victims families to address the “decades of silence” following the British Government’s decision to cover up the tragedy. The Lancastria was sunk off the French coast on June 17th 1940 whilst evacuating troops and refugees. Over 4000 people are believed to have died in the 20 minutes it took for the Clyde built liner to sink. An estimated 400 Scots are thought to have perished in the disaster. Ms Grahame said:

“There is no legal impediment to commissioning a medal for the few hundred who so desperately seek public recognition of their loss.

“I am sure that the people and the Mayor of St Nazaire, together with this parliament can provide the means and the method to commission those well deserved medals.

“I would therefore ask the Minister to meet with myself and survivors families to take this proposal forward in the spirit of what is written on the mace of this parliament; wisdom justice compassion and integrity which should inform all our actions but in particular those which we take on such a solemn and deserving cause.”

Members of the Lancastria Association of Scotland are also holding a special exhibition at the Scottish Parliament Wednesday and Thursday highlighting the tragedy to MSPs and visitors.

SNP It’s time.....