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Birmingham City Council has sparked anger after axing the annual Armed Forces Day parade and exhibition in the city this summer.

The annual event would have taken place on June 30 in Centenary Square and has in the past attracted huge crowds paying respects to brave servicemen and women.

But Centenary Square is currently being redeveloped and council bosses have now cancelled the day, arguing other tributes to armed services are planned this year, including the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The council says it has the support of its partners in the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force over the decision.

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

But critics argue that after the traditional Trafalgar Day Parade was scrapped by the council last October, the decision is another blow to the commemoration of the military in the city.

Former Lord Mayor and Conservative councillor John Lines said: “This is yet again another example of this Labour council’s disregard for those who have served.

“An opportunity to speak to veterans and for associations to raise funds for charities will be lost.”

He said the Victoria Square could accommodate the day, as space has been found for the German Market.

“Last October 21st Trafalgar day was dismissed after 150 years," he said.

"At this very moment our air force is active with our allies in attempting to protect innocent women and children from being gassed by a dictator who is using chemical weapons, putting their lives at risk. What will they think of Birmingham?”

(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)

Another former Lord Mayor Anita Ward, who has worked with the Royal British Legion and helped raise the profile of armed forces in Birmingham, said: “I’m disappointed to hear that there will not be an Armed Forces Day event here.

“Birmingham has celebrated its armed forces in the past and it should continue to do so.”

A Birmingham City Council spokeswoman said that the city IS celebrating its forces - but not on June 30.

She said: “A number of military events are taking place in Birmingham this year, including those marking the centenaries of the Royal Air Force and end of World War I.

"Therefore, a decision was taken, with the full support of our military partners, that there would not be an Armed Forces Day event.

“Birmingham has strong links with the military, which it does celebrate.

"In February the Royal Marines received the Freedom of the City from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham during a city centre ceremony, and RAF Cosford will be given the same honour in May, which will also be a public event.

"Also several aircraft will be displayed in Victoria Square as part of the RAF’s centenary celebrations over the August Bank Holiday weekend.”

Formerly known as Veteran’s Day it is national event which was launched by Gordon Brown in 2006, while he was Chancellor of the Exchequer.

It is to celebrate the contribution of all those who have served in the forces as a compliment to Remembrance Sunday which commemorates those who lost their lives. The title changed to Armed Forces Day in 2009.

Centenary Square is undergoing a £10 million redesign which is expected to be completed later this summer.

Building work is also ongoing on the neighbouring Paradise and Arena Central developments , as well as the Metro tram extension to Broad Street.