Organisers
of the event say that the Arrows military background might be
"offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games. The display
team
have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department
of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team "too
militaristically
British". Red Arrows pilots were said to be "outraged", as they had
hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games,
something
which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event
for being "too British" is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of
Britain .
The Red
Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as
they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the
world.
The
Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was
announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly
spectacular.
It is to be hoped that common sense prevails.
If you are a British citizen and disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012