Ministers urge 'killjoy' councils not to block Jubilee street parties
Ministers urge ‘killjoy’ councils not to shut down Jubilee street parties: Fears millions of Britons could see celebrations spoiled after just 16,000 applications were approved
- Ministers are urging local authorities to be ‘flexible’ about Jubilee street parties
- Estimated 16,000 applications approved by up to 15m expected to attend events
- Tory MPs warn ‘killjoy’ councils should not block people marking Queen’s reign
- Latest Platinum Jubilee news as the Queen celebrates 70 years of service
Ministers today urged local authorities to be ‘flexible’ about late applications for Platinum Jubilee street parties.
Culture minister Chris Philp appealed for town halls to ‘accommodate people’ amid fears millions could see their celebrations thwarted.
Tory MPs have hit out at council ‘killjoys’ amid warnings that residents should not go ahead with unauthorised bashes to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
An estimated 16,000 events have been given the green light – but up to 15million people are expected to attend celebrations.
In a round of interviews this morning, Mr Philp pleaded for local authorities to take a lenient approach.
Mr Philp said: ‘I think it is fantastic we are celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee, and I would just say to local councils around the country, including mine in Croydon, if you do get a late application, and maybe the deadline has technically passed, I would just say to the councils to show a little bit of flexibility, show a little bit of willingness to accommodate people.
‘And if you are at all able to, you know, please do grant these requests, even if they are maybe technically after the deadline.’
Preparations for the Platinum Jubilee at Buckingham Palace earlier this month
Tory MPs have hit out at council ‘killjoys’ amid warnings that residents should not go ahead with unauthorised bashes to mark the Queen’s (pictured earlier this month) 70 years on the throne
Culture minister Chris Philp appealed for town halls to ‘accommodate people’ amid fears millions could see their celebrations thwarted
Many councils have waived administration fees for road closures, of which there were 9,500 during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the LGA said.
A snap poll of a dozen councils by the LGA showed they have approved more than 1,000 street parties.
Extrapolated nationally, it could mean more than 16,000 Platinum Jubilee bashes.
But six weeks’ notice is usually required for a road closure, and there are concerns that many neighbourhoods have not applied far enough in advance.
Tory MPs have been urging town halls to ‘clear the way’ for more events.
Ministerial aide Richard Holden told the Telegraph: ‘The Platinum Jubilee marks a unique moment in our nation’s history, that families in cities, towns and villages across Britain are looking forward to joining together in celebrating. The idea that bolshie bureaucrats are tying people up in red tape to pre vent these celebrations is contemptible.
‘Councils should clear the way to let these historic national celebrations go ahead so that friends and families can celebrate together this weekend.’
Fellow Conservative Johnny Mercer, a former Army captain, said: ‘These street parties should be allowed to go ahead. We shouldn’t let killjoys spoil the jubilee.’
Julian Knight, the Tory chairman of the culture select committee, said: ‘Councils have to be realistic about this and understand that this is a once-in-a lifetime celebration, something which will never be seen again and they need to be as flexible as possible.’
LGA chairman James Jamieson, said over the weekend: ‘Councils are pulling out all the stops to help their communities celebrate a historic day for our country.
‘Whether it be approving thousands of local road closures for free or putting on big community events, councils are doing what they do best and bringing people together in innovative ways to mark this important milestone.
A street part held to mark the Queen’s 60 years on the throne in June 2012
‘After two tough years at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we hope that this time will allow people to raise a toast and celebrate with their loved ones and neighbours’.
Commemorative tree planting is under way in some areas as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, and libraries are gearing up for the Big Jubilee Read campaign celebrating books by authors from across the Commonwealth published during her seven decades as sovereign.
Councils including Wyre Forest, Gedling and Surrey Heath are hosting jubilee events such as beacon lighting, picnics and tea parties.
Hertfordshire County Council has received a record 475 street party applications while the London Borough of Waltham Forest has approved over 100 events and is putting on a mile-long street party.
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