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.
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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.'
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