Queen’s University lifts collarettes ban for Remembrance service

Jay Basra, the chair of the Young Unionists club, described the original decision to ban collarettes as a “deeply disappointing step backwards” for inclusion and respect at the university.

Collarettes had been worn by some students representing the Orange Order at previous Remembrance events at the university.

QUB told BBC News NI that its original decision not to allow collarettes this year had been the result of an update to the “marching dress code” to reflect Royal British Legion guidance “at the request of some veterans and serving members of the armed forces”.

But it added: “Having listened to further feedback from a wider range of stakeholders, the university recognises the importance of collarettes for some members of the procession and has therefore agreed that they can continue to be worn.”

Basra welcomed the lifting of the ban, saying: “Nobody taking part in that act of remembrance should be told that part of their identity is not welcome.

“Remembrance should be an occasion that brings people together, irrespective of their background or tradition.

“Looking ahead, I would encourage the university to engage directly with those affected before making changes of this kind.

“That would avoid unnecessary upset and help build confidence among unionist students that Queen’s is a welcoming home for their community too.”