HMS Manchester or "The Busy Bee" as she was affectionately known as was decommissioned in 2011 and sold for scrap. Since then Manchester has sadly lost its connection with The Royal Navy and the pride the city had in a ship that bore its name.
The UK government has recently ordered a new class of ship the type 26 frigate also known as the city class. Out of the eight ships named, not one represents the north west of England or Manchester itself.
Given Manchester has in the last few years experienced terrible loss in the wake of terrorist attacks and the bee had become a symbol of hope and pride in Manchester in response to the attacks. Not only that, the North West makes up approximately 30% of the entire British armed forces, making it the single largest regional contributor in terms of recruitment.
We petition the Defence Minister, Gavin Williamson to rename one of the ships to HMS Manchester. We recommend that the planned HMS Belfast be renamed. This is in no way to disrespect Belfast or its people since there is already a HSM Belfast; the famous World War 2 cruiser that fought throughout the war is currently moored on the Thames in London.
SO PLEASE MR WILLIAMSON, GIVE US THE BUSY BEE (HMS MANCHESTER) BACK SO WE CAN HAVE OUR SYMBOL OF PRIDE ONCE AGAIN.
Updates
February 19, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people feel as strongly as I do about bringing the name back to our city. This movement belongs to all of you who remembered the Busy Bee and chose to keep that pride alive.
Reached 100 supporters
February 19, 2021
50 Comments
As a Londoner I'd be more than happy if the ship provisionally named 'London' could be r3e-named 'Manchester'. The UK is too London-centric.
I am amazed that MANCHESTER was overlooked in the naming of the new Type 26 Frigates! MANCHESTER is undoubtedly Britain's second City and should have been at least the second name on the Admiralty's list, if not the first. The last HMS MANCHESTER was the best ship in the fleet. Just ask anyone who served on her!
The 2nd HMS Manchester was my 1st ship 87 to 90. I had 3 "educational" years on board. If you are going to have "city class" frigates then Manchester AND Leeds must be included. Ditch London and either Glasgow or Edinburgh in favour of these 2 NORTHERN POWERHOUSE centres of excellence!!!
I served on the last HMS Manchester. After the Manchester bombing which my brother was involved in, this would be a great tribute to him and me. Thanks.
This must happen if not for respect to arguably the greatest city in the UK, then for the 22 angels taken from us by evil.
Manchester is, in many eyes, the nation's second city and should have her importance recognised by continuing to name a warship after her after previous distinguished service under that title.
The second city has to have a ship named after it. No excuse not to!
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HMS Manchester or "The Busy Bee" as she was affectionately known as was decommissioned in 2011 and sold for scrap. Since then Manchester has sadly lost its connection with The Royal Navy and the pride the city had in a ship that bore its name.
The UK government has recently ordered a new class of ship the type 26 frigate also known as the city class. Out of the eight ships named, not one represents the north west of England or Manchester itself.
Given Manchester has in the last few years experienced terrible loss in the wake of terrorist attacks and the bee had become a symbol of hope and pride in Manchester in response to the attacks. Not only that, the North West makes up approximately 30% of the entire British armed forces, making it the single largest regional contributor in terms of recruitment.
We petition the Defence Minister, Gavin Williamson to rename one of the ships to HMS Manchester. We recommend that the planned HMS Belfast be renamed. This is in no way to disrespect Belfast or its people since there is already a HSM Belfast; the famous World War 2 cruiser that fought throughout the war is currently moored on the Thames in London.
SO PLEASE MR WILLIAMSON, GIVE US THE BUSY BEE (HMS MANCHESTER) BACK SO WE CAN HAVE OUR SYMBOL OF PRIDE ONCE AGAIN.
Updates
February 19, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people feel as strongly as I do about bringing the name back to our city. This movement belongs to all of you who remembered the Busy Bee and chose to keep that pride alive.
Reached 100 supporters
February 19, 2021
50 Comments
It is very disappointing that Manchester's contribution is not acknowledged by the Navy , not only for its contribution to our military but to its unique position in its contribution to our prosperity , scientific and social progress , and its world class educational and sporting institutions.
As a Londoner I'd be more than happy if the ship provisionally named 'London' could be r3e-named 'Manchester'. The UK is too London-centric.
I am amazed that MANCHESTER was overlooked in the naming of the new Type 26 Frigates! MANCHESTER is undoubtedly Britain's second City and should have been at least the second name on the Admiralty's list, if not the first. The last HMS MANCHESTER was the best ship in the fleet. Just ask anyone who served on her!
The 2nd HMS Manchester was my 1st ship 87 to 90. I had 3 "educational" years on board. If you are going to have "city class" frigates then Manchester AND Leeds must be included. Ditch London and either Glasgow or Edinburgh in favour of these 2 NORTHERN POWERHOUSE centres of excellence!!!
I served on the last HMS Manchester. After the Manchester bombing which my brother was involved in, this would be a great tribute to him and me. Thanks.
This must happen if not for respect to arguably the greatest city in the UK, then for the 22 angels taken from us by evil.
Manchester is, in many eyes, the nation's second city and should have her importance recognised by continuing to name a warship after her after previous distinguished service under that title.
The second city has to have a ship named after it. No excuse not to!
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It is very disappointing that Manchester's contribution is not acknowledged by the Navy , not only for its contribution to our military but to its unique position in its contribution to our prosperity , scientific and social progress , and its world class educational and sporting institutions.