Cambridge councillors back giving ship Honorary Freedom of the City status
Councillors recognised people in the city may be “bemused” by the plans for a landlocked city
Last updated 15th May 2024
Councillors in Cambridge have endorsed awarding the Honorary Freedom of the City status to a ship, despite the city being landlocked.
Cambridge City Council is planning to grant the honour to the HMS Protector, which it said is the Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship.
Councillors recognised people in the city may be “bemused” by the plans to award the honour to the ship, but highlighted the ship’s links to organisations in the city.
The city council said the research ship supports the work of both the Scott-Polar Institute and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), both of which are based in Cambridge.
A report presented to councillors at a civic affairs meeting this week (May 13) said: “The HMS Protector is on a continuing mission to support international research into wildlife, the changing climate and shifting waters of Antarctica and upholding the UK’s long-standing commitment to the region.
“HMS Protector has the capacity to break through thick ice and provide vital support to those caught up in Earth’s most challenging conditions.
“She carries on board four working craft, two cranes and a helicopter deck; with a full complement of 88 although accommodation for 100 if required.
“The BAS is based here in Cambridge, as is the Scott-Polar Institute.
“The council has already declared ‘a strong and enduring relationship’ with HMS Protector and has declared a climate emergency.”
An Honorary Freedom of the City is designed to be granted to “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the council, rendered eminent services to the city”.
The award does not come with any special privileges, but is just an honorary title.
The last time the city council awarded one of these Honorary Freedoms was back in 2011 when it was given to the City of Szeged.
Councillor Naomi Bennett said she recognised some people who were “quite bemused” that the city, which she said is one of the “furthest inland” in the UK, was giving this honour to a ship.
She said it was important the city council explained why it was planning on making this decision.
The councillors on the civic affairs committee endorsed the proposal, but the recognition will need to be approved by councillors at a full council meeting later this month (May 23).