Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson halts Army bid to scrap ‘Be the Best’ slogan
1 min read
Gavin Williamson has intervened to stop an attempt by the Army to scrap its ‘Be the Best’ slogan and crossed swords crest.
An official document, seen by the Mail on Sunday found military chiefs planned to end the "dated, elitist and non-inclusive" motto alongside the historic crown and lion crest from January.
However a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said the Secretary of State had ordered the move to be halted because he believes the British army is “the best of the best”.
The plan was part of a rebranding exercise which was due to cost £520,000.
The move could spark a souring in relations with military chiefs, with a senior officer quoted in the paper saying: “By stepping in to block the branding changes at such a late hour he risks showing contempt for the Army's chain of command.”
However Julian Lewis, chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, has also spoken out against plans to ditch the slogan, adding: 'Being the best is nothing to be ashamed of - it is a matter for pride and a very positive message to transmit.
“Why should we be afraid of excellence when we are constantly saying our armed forces are the best in the world?'
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