Falklands heroes hit out after rainbow Pride flag wrapped around naval ship used in war

FALKLANDS War veterans have hit out after a landing craft used in the conflict was wrapped in a rainbow Pride flag.
The facelift is to mark 25 years since the ban on gay people in the Armed Forces was lifted.
2
Falklands War veterans have slammed the Pride flag makeover on the landing craft used in the conflict
Credit: PA
2
A landing craft carrying troops in 1982
Credit: Alamy
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, who served in the South Atlantic in 1982, said: 'Frankly, this battle was fought and won 25 years ago when gays were openly allowed in the Armed Forces.
'The first gay officer in the Navy was on 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.'
Reform MP Lee Anderson also blasted the makeover, which is believed to be the first of its kind on a naval ship, as 'totally inappropriate'.
He added: '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 craft — Foxtrot 8 — is on display in Portsmouth until September.
Hannah Prowse, of the city's Historic Quarter, said: 'We're celebrating the inclusivity now present in our Armed Forces.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Scottish Sun

7 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Cadbury launches new limited edition colour-changing Dairy Milk chocolate bars – and they're perfect for hot weather

Cadbury's new chocolate bars hide a cool surprise when the temperature drops CHOCCY TIME Cadbury launches new limited edition colour-changing Dairy Milk chocolate bars – and they're perfect for hot weather CADBURY has unveiled a brand new range of limited-edition Dairy Milk chocolate bars that change colour when chilled – and they're ideal for summer snacking. The new Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Edition bars and the Iced Latte flavour are hitting shelves across the UK from June 2025, wrapped in cold-activated packaging that transforms in the fridge. Advertisement 3 According to Cadbury's research, more than half the nation stores their bars in the fridge, especially during the warmer months Credit: Alamy 3 Chocoholics can expect a limited run, so fans might want to snap them up quickly once they appear in shops Credit: Alamy Based in Birmingham, the chocolate giant confirmed that the special packs use thermochromic technology to reveal vibrant designs – including deck chairs, umbrellas, kites, and inflatables – when cooled. It's the first time Cadbury has launched a product like this. 'This summer, Cadbury Dairy Milk is reigniting the debate around storing chocolate in the fridge,' said Mara Popa, junior brand manager at Cadbury Dairy Milk. 'Our new Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Editions range features cold-activated packs, reminding consumers that chocolate is a great snacking option in the warmer weather. 'Additionally, our limited-edition Cadbury Dairy Milk Iced Latte tablet is designed to excite consumers with a brand new flavour crafted for summer. Advertisement This NPD also features colour changing packaging, highlighting the chilled chocolate trend in a playful way and tapping into the debate.' The cold-reactive wrappers aren't just eye-catching – they're a clever nod to how Brits really eat chocolate. According to Cadbury's research, more than half the nation stores their bars in the fridge, especially during the warmer months. Despite this trend, the brand has advised fans to think twice before chilling their choc. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), a spokesperson warned that the fridge might not always be the best place. Advertisement 'Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as a cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21°C to ensure the quality isn't compromised,' they explained. Still, curiosity is high. Shoppers beg Cadbury's to bring back 2005 recipe on iconic bar - as they moan current one 'tastes like candle wax' A whopping 67 per cent of Brits said they're open to trying chilled chocolate, and Cadbury is leaning into that interest with a playful summer twist. All five bars in the Edition range will be available in major retailers nationwide and have a recommended price of £2. Advertisement However, prices may vary depending on the store. Chocoholics can expect a limited run, so fans might want to snap them up quickly once they appear in shops. The packaging not only changes colour, but also ties in with the look and feel of a traditional British summer – perfect for picnics, beach days, or just a cool treat at home. The launch of the iced latte-flavoured Dairy Milk also adds to Cadbury's growing line-up of coffee-infused treats. Advertisement The bar combines smooth milk chocolate with a creamy coffee centre and crunchy biscuit bits, designed to satisfy both choc and coffee lovers. Cadbury has already seen success with coffee-flavoured chocolate. The Twirl Iced Latte has popped up in B&M stores in recent weeks, earning rave reviews from fans. Meanwhile, a collab with coffee brand Kenco gave us the chocolate-flavoured mocha – another hit among sweet-toothed sippers. Advertisement And it's not stopping there. From 2 June, the brand will also roll out a limited-edition Twirl White Dipped bar, combining its famous flaky layers with a coating of smooth white chocolate. A post on Facebook teased the launch, calling it 'unreal, indulgent, smooth, swirly, creamy, melty, new, and mouthwatering.' Earlier this month, fans also spotted a new Cadbury Dairy Milk Balls pack in shops, drawing comparisons to the nostalgic Cadbury Tasters – small, round chocolate treats first launched in 1996. Advertisement With so many launches lined up and a summer full of colourful, cold-friendly packaging, Cadbury is clearly out to make this season a choc-filled celebration. How to save money on chocolate We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs... Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars. Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere. Websites like let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal. Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced. They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged. Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar. So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

Wales Online

13 hours ago

• Wales Online

Married At First Sight icon pays a visit to ‘big, bold and beautiful' Cardiff

Married At First Sight icon pays a visit to 'big, bold and beautiful' Cardiff The reality TV star arrived in the Welsh capital just in time for a vibrant weekend of Pride celebrations Mel Schilling appears on both UK and Australian versions of the popular dating show (Image: 2025 Getty Images ) Married At First Sight UK favourite Mel Schilling made a surprise stop in Cardiff this weekend, and shared her appreciation for Cardiff's Pride Cymru celebrations over the weekend. The relationship expert shared a snap of Queen Street filled with rainbow flags and crowds on her Instagram story, captioning it: 'When you arrive in Cardiff in the middle of a big, bold, beautiful Pride celebration.' This was also followed by a shot of Cardiff Castle with a gif attached saying 'Show your pride', and paired with the song I Am What I Am by Gloria Gaynor. ‌ It's not clear why Mel was in the capital, but her timing lined up perfectly with Pride Cymru, which returned to the city on Saturday for its 40th anniversary. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter ‌ Mel Schilling shared a snap of Queen Street filled with rainbow flags and crowds on her Instagram story (Image: Instagram: @mel_schilling1 ) The 53-year-old relationship expert appears on both UK and Australian versions of the popular dating show which sees strangers marrying each other after meeting for the first time at the alter. She's appeared in 16 seasons of the programme in total, 11 Down Under and five in the UK, and she's hinted that she's got exciting news coming very soon. Article continues below Mel told the Mirror earlier this month "I have some exciting stuff coming down the line. Nothing I can talk about yet but some of it is TV but also moving into other mediums as well so I have a lot really exciting stuff coming up and I cannot wait to start sharing it so watch this space." As well as working on secret projects, Mel has teamed up with Tesco to launch the UK's first supermarket wedding gift registry offering couples a range of gift packages covering off the everyday essentials. The first Pride in Wales took place back in 1985 with fewer than 100 people, but fast forward to this weekend, and thousands turned up, with more people signing up in advance than ever before. ‌ The atmosphere throughout the day was full of plenty of colour, energy and celebration, with families, performers and community groups all taking part in the lively event. Lots of people spoke about the importance of visibility, especially this year with the LGBTQ+, telling WalesOnline that the community is still facing a number of barriers in society. The protest group Cymru Queers for Palestine blocked the original parade route near Cardiff Castle after saying they had tried to engage with Pride Cymru before the event but felt they were ignored. ‌ Hannah, from Cymru Queers for Palestine said: "We contacted Pride, met with them and they ignored us. So we will not stop and we will not rest until we say that Pride Cymru has no ties to the Israeli war machine.' The parade was rerouted, and Pride Cymru later released a statement saying: 'Despite our best efforts to engage with the group ahead of and during the event, the situation on the ground made it impossible to proceed with the original parade route as planned. 'Pride is a space for protest, celebration, and solidarity. We remain committed to creating a Pride that reflects the diversity and voices of our entire community.' Article continues below The celebrations carried on in Coopers Field, with performances from Ella Henderson, Shola Ama, Kimberly Wyatt, Booty Luv and local drag star Carrie Sauce. Whether Mel Schilling was here for work or just passing through, it's safe to say she definitely got a warm, and very colourful Cardiff welcome.

Rhyl Journal

16 hours ago

• Rhyl Journal

Broadcaster Selina Scott 'traumatised' after being robbed

The 74-year-old former ITV News at Ten anchor revealed how she fought back during the terrifying incident last week. Scott said she was leaving a branch of Waterstones in central London when she was struck on the back of her knee, leaving her feeling as if she had been 'stabbed'. The gang attempted to snatch her designer backpack, which she tightly held onto, however one of the thieves unzipped it and removed her purse before running off. She lost her bank cards, driving licence and cash in the robbery. Another group then barged into her, and she realised she was being 'attacked from both sides at the same time'. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Scott said the events were 'so swift and practised that it was clear it was a coordinated assault'. She explained: 'I was right by a busy bus stop, although no one would have known what was going on. 'It was slick, brief and clearly engineered to happen in the middle of a crowd. I still feel shattered after what has happened. I can't believe it happened to me. 'I'm mentally resilient and physically fit, but if they can attack me in such a brazen way they can attack anyone. You're left feeling not just traumatised, but stupid that you have somehow let it happen.' After starting out her career as a journalist in Dundee, Scott became a national figure as a newsreader for ITN in 1982 at the height of the Falklands War. Recommended reading: ITV to axe popular reality channel ITVBe in summer shake-up Stephen Mulhern dropped from £1m Butlin's magic show Freeview TV's may need retune after ITV Quiz channel launch Scott was also one of the launch team for BBC Breakfast, which began in January 1983. She went on to make a name for herself in America too, scoring her own chat show on US TV in the 90s before heading back to the UK to front Sky's breakfast show. During her career she has interviewed the likes of King Charles and Donald Trump. In 2018, Scott appeared in four episodes of the BBC's The Real Marigold Hotel, shot in Rajasthan.