Questions being asked after key council tradition fell by the wayside on Armistice Day

The simple act of remembrance takes place on Armistice Day beneath the portrait of The Queen and involves councillors from across the political spectrum as well as North Lanarkshire Council top brass.

However, the ceremony did not take place this year for the first time in two decades and questions are now being asked as to why.

The influential Convenor of Planning & Transportation Councillor James Coyle has even written to Chief Executive Paul Jukes about the matter.

He said: “I was extremely disappointed on this day of all days when the men and women of the armed services who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us to live in freedom, that elected members and senior officers were not invited to spend two minutes of out time, as we traditionally do.

Councillor Bob Chadha who has attended every year since becoming a councillor 20 years ago said: “It’s extremely disappointing.I wanted to recognise the sacrifices of these fallen war heroes, including the people of the Commonwealth countries who have included my own Indian relatives during two world wars.”

A council spokesman said:: “The council has always observed two minutes of silence at 11am on Armistice Day at its main buildings, and did so this year.

The sacrifice of those who laid down their lives in conflict is hugely important and we will continue to remember them in the most appropriate way. This includes council representation at services of remembrance across North Lanarkshire.”