Outcry as Falklands War landing craft is decorated for Pride

The decoration of a Falklands War landing craft to celebrate Pride has sparked uproar among veterans.
Foxtrot 8, which landed Royal Marine and Parachute Regiment soldiers on the South Atlantic archipelago, has been coated in a rainbow vinyl wrap.
Portsmouth Historic Quarter, which owns it, commissioned the decoration to mark the 25th anniversary of the ban on homosexuality within the Armed Forces being lifted. But the decoration has been criticised as disrespectful by veterans.
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who was mentioned in despatches for his actions in the war, said the decoration was 'quite divisive'.
'Frankly, this battle was fought and won 25 years ago when gays were openly allowed in the Armed Forces,' he said. 'In fact, the first gay officer in the Navy was in my ship. He was allowed to come out quite openly.
'This is something that has been fought and won. The drum doesn't need banging any more. It's quite divisive, I think.'
Retired Colour sergeant Dean Ferguson, who served in the Falklands as a private in the Parachute Regiment, added: 'Our Falklands dead will be turning in their graves.'
Lee Anderson, a Reform UK MP, said: 'Pride flags have no place on naval ships, in our classrooms, or flying above Government buildings.
'Let's stop making everything about what you like to do in the bedroom and get back to work.'
The landing craft is the first war vessel in British history to be wrapped in the Pride colours.
The redecoration was commissioned by the charity Fighting With Pride to celebrate 'inclusivity' ahead of events marking UK Pride in Portsmouth, Hampshire, on June 7.
Gay soldiers deserve 'gratitude and respect'
LGBT people were banned from the Armed Forces until 2000 and faced a dishonourable discharge if discovered.
Roly Woods, a former sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy who served on HMS Leeds Castle during the Falklands War, said that he had chosen to lie when challenged by his commanding officer about his relationship with another man.
He said: 'My captain accepted it and I got away with it but it was an extremely difficult situation to deal with both professionally and personally and I wrestled with it for many years.'
Mr Woods added: 'The unveiling of Landing Craft F8 in her Pride colours is a celebration of real progress for the LGBTQ+ community in the armed forces, and it is an extremely proud moment for both LGBTQ+ veterans and for those serving today.'
Hannah Prowse, chief executive officer of Portsmouth Historic Quarter, said: 'To those under the age of 40, it seems astonishing that men and women who served with courage and were willing to risk their lives for their country, were punished for their sexual orientation. They deserve our gratitude and respect.
'In wrapping Landing Craft F8 in this manner, we're celebrating the inclusivity now present in our armed forces, celebrating the men and women who serve and have served our country with honour, and celebrating the bravery of those who fought to overturn the ban.'

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