Lancaster and York MPs are both calling for their cities to be granted ‘Royal Town' status as part of the Queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Widely claimed as a modern-day War of the Roses, a battle has begun between York and Lancaster after ministers supported calls for a northern town to receive the royal town title.
Conservative Party Chairman, Oliver Dowden, recently endorsed giving royal status to a Northern town at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. At present there is no 'Royal' town in Northern England and MPs are hoping that the granting of a royal title to a northern city could be confirmed in 2022 as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Lancaster's MP and Shadow Minister for Young People and Democracy, Cat Smith, said she would have “no issue with becoming the Royal City of Lancaster.”
If the title went to York she said, "I will be outraged, that would be such an injustice. Let’s face it, Lancaster won the War of the Roses, it’s our Royal patronage to have.”
Her counterpart from York, Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central hopes York will be win the title and offered her view on it going to Lancaster.
She said: “Well that simply can't happen can it? I think even the Government will recognise that would be a grave error.”
In the 15th century Lancashire and Yorkshire separated England in a bid to reach the throne and the resulting conflict became known as The War of The Roses.
Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-serving monarch and next year will celebrate her 70th year on the throne. The Platinum Jubilee will mark her historic milestone and decades of service. A series of celebratory events are planned including an extended bank holiday in June.
Fundraiser launched to support Lancaster Chinese New Year Festival
Lancaster man to run Manchester Half Marathon in honour of his parents
Lancaster young artists invited to design Mayor’s official Christmas card
Future of primary school near Lancaster under consultation over falling pupil numbers
Lancaster city centre store hit with closure order
Mental health nurse role helps children at Royal Lancaster Infirmary get support sooner
Dog ban on Morecambe beaches lifted until May
Next chapter for Williamson Park café redevelopment begins
Couple ‘absolutely heartbroken’ after announcing departure from popular Morecambe Bay pub
Lancaster village set for royal visit
INTERVIEWS: Pride in Place officially opens offices in West End of Morecambe
Lancaster community centre awarded £94,000 Children in Need funding boost
Christmas free parking announced for shoppers in the Lancaster district
Police investigate spate of rural burglaries across Lancaster and Morecambe district
Lancaster on Ice confirmed to return after councillors grant permission
Man jailed for historic sexual offences at his equestrian yard
Patient Impact Award for Lancaster University researcher
Three arrests made in Lancaster police crackdown as e-bikes seized
Partnership delivers knockout results for young people in Lancaster
Morecambe hosts counter pollution training exercise
