I FEEL I should respond to the letter from Josie Msonthi regarding her assertion that Ukip could not highlight themselves as they wished by putting their own political label on a wreath at the remembrance ceremony.

Firstly I don’t find it necessary to list the contribution made by generations of my family in two world wars and subsequently, they however like your grandfather and mother fought for freedom and liberty which includes the right of all persons, organisations, yes and political parties to show their appreciation of the sacrifice, often the supreme sacrifice made on our behalf, by presenting a wreath during the remembrance ceremony as has been our custom without comment.

When TVBC sought to prescribe our act of remembrance I wrote to the Royal British Legion to seek their guidance and advice. They responded as follows : “Dear Mr Hickman, Many thanks for your call and e-mail. With regard to wreaths we produce all badges that we are asked for be they party members, regimental associations or private membership clubs (such as the Masons).

We provide everyone the opportunity to lay a wreath or wear a poppy whether they are affiliated to a political party or not.

Our aim is to provide everyone the opportunity to remember whoever and whatever their beliefs are.

I hope this answers your query. We do not make decisions on who lays wreaths we merely provide the products to engage in the ceremonies.”

When we ordered a wreath from the RBL we did just that — ordered a wreath — the design was generated by RBL as they do for all organisations.

So hopefully you will accept that we, Ukip in this case, are not seeking to make a political point just to show the respect of our members — including a number who have themselves served in the forces, in just the same way that all political parties do at the Cenotaph in London, and as we have done here in Andover for the last twenty years and join with us in fighting the petty tyranny of TVBC officials who have nether the right nor authority to seek to prescribe this worthwhile and respectful gesture.

Robert Hickman CBE, Chairman, Ukip North Hants.