Royal British Legion distances itself from QUB move to ban Orange collarettes from Remembrance Sunday event

The row began yesterday when UUP Young Unionists Chair, Jay Basra, highlighted that the Order of Service for the QUB Remembrance Sunday service on 8 November stated that Orange collarettes were not to be worn.

QUB said it had done so after feedback from veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, who advised that marshalling should be in-keeping with the Royal British Legion’s dress code.

However DUP MLA Philip Brett then issued a statement strongly objecting and saying he had secured a reversal of the ban from QUB.

The University then issued a fresh statement to confirm that it had reversed its decision and that Orange collarettes would be allowed.

It is understood that QUB used the RBL guidance as a basis for their decision, but that it was not an event run by the RBL and that decisions on dress code for the event would rest with the event organiser alone.

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion told the News Letter: “The Royal British Legion follows the Guide to the Wearing of Orders, Decorations, Miniatures and Medals, published by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. This guidance applies only to Royal British Legion events, and the RBL has no authority to determine medal-wearing guidance or dress codes for events run by other organisations.”

In its initial statement, QUB said that each year on Remembrance Sunday, Queen's University lays a wreath at the World War Memorial and lights the Lanyon building to honour and remember the sacrifice of those who have served in past and present conflicts. It added: “Following feedback to the University from veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces advising that attire for official marching, standing, or marshalling to mark the occasion of remembrance should be in-keeping with the Royal British Legion’s ‘Guide to the Wearing of Orders, Decorations, Miniatures and Medals,’ the dress code was updated.” However Mr Basra issued a statement noting that the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s Lodge No 1845 have freely worn their collarettes at previous services of remembrance without issue.

He said: “Queen’s frequently prides itself on being an inclusive institution, welcoming and representing people from all backgrounds and traditions. Yet preventing members of the Orange Institution from wearing their collarettes while participating in a service of remembrance raises serious questions about how far that commitment to inclusion extends."

DUP MLA Phillip Brett, then issued his statement saying he had secured a reversal by QUB after direct discussions with senior university management. He said: "At a university which rightly prides itself on equality, diversity and inclusion, there should be no question of members of the Orange Institution feeling that their identity or traditions are unwelcome."

He added that "serious questions" remain about how the decision was taken and that "lessons must be learned".

QUB then issued an updated statement, saying that having listened to "further feedback from a wider range of stakeholders, the University recognises the importance of collarettes for some members of the procession and has therefore agreed that they can continue to be worn".