Rutland Fights for its Identity: Over 7,000 Signatures Demand Ceremonial County Status Be Preserved
A powerful message echoed through the halls of Parliament , as Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Stamford, delivered a petition bearing over 7,000 signatures. The plea? To safeguard Rutland's cherished ceremonial county status, a status under threat due to unintended consequences of local government reorganisation.
Alicia, a vocal advocate for her constituents, highlighted the deep-rooted historical significance of Rutland, a county recorded in the Domesday Book and home to a Lord Lieutenant since 1559. She emphasized the strong connection Rutland holds with the monarchy, symbolised by the statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II in Oakham, a poignant tribute erected shortly after her passing.
"Rutland is a proud and ancient county," Alicia stated, "However, without legislative changes to the Lieutenancies Act 1997, Rutland will lose our ceremonial county status. Now I do not believe the government intended to put our ceremonial county status at risk, but the consequences of their reforms to local government have done exactly that. No other counties are in this position."
The crux of the issue lies in the potential impact of local government reorganisation and devolution, which, without specific legislative amendments, could strip Rutland of its ceremonial recognition. This prospect has ignited a passionate response from the local community.
The sheer volume of signatures on the petition underscores the depth of feeling in Rutland. With 7,141 residents signing in just six weeks, representing over 17% of the population, it stands as a testament to the community's unwavering commitment to preserving its identity. Alicia noted that this is "one of the biggest yet petitions delivered to Parliament in the 21st century," highlighting the extraordinary level of engagement from a relatively small population.
Alicia eloquently articulated the community's desire, invoking Rutland's motto, "multum in parvo," meaning "much in little." She explained, "We are asking for just a little, which would mean so very much to us."
The petition formally requests the House of Commons to "urge the government to take into account the concerns of the petitioners and protect Rutland’s status as a ceremonial county regardless of the outcome of local government reorganisation and devolution. Addition. Protection of ceremonial County of Rutland."
The fate of Rutland's ceremonial county status now rests in the hands of Parliament. The resounding voice of its residents, amplified by Alicia Kearns's determined advocacy, has undeniably placed the issue firmly on the national agenda. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government will heed the call and amend the legislation to safeguard Rutland's historical and cultural identity.
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