HMS Dragon Honoured with Freedom of Wrexham Despite Concerns from Some Councillors

The Royal Navy’s HMS Dragon has been awarded the freedom of Wrexham, despite reservations from a group of councillors questioning the appropriateness of honouring a naval vessel in the landlocked county. The Type 45 air defence destroyer became the first warship to be affiliated with Wrexham since World War II, following a ceremonial event in Portsmouth earlier this year.

During a full council meeting at Wrexham’s Guildhall on Wednesday, September 25th, the majority of councillors supported extending the honorary civic recognition to HMS Dragon. Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council's armed forces champion, expressed that the accolade was intended to acknowledge the Royal Navy’s contributions to the county borough.

However, Plaid Cymru Councillor Carrie Harper announced her party would abstain from the vote, expressing unease about awarding such an honour to an object rather than an individual or organization. Harper explained, "We’re just not comfortable with the idea of granting freedom of the borough to an inanimate object."

Past recipients of this prestigious award have included Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for their contributions to boosting the town's profile, as well as the Royal Welsh Regiment and the RAF.

Cllr Parry-Jones (Conservative) spoke at the beginning of the meeting, saying, "The Royal Navy has recently affiliated its ship HMS Dragon, one of the advanced Type 45 air defence destroyers, to Wrexham. This affiliation marks the first time since World War II that a Royal Navy warship has been linked with Wrexham. I believe this honour formally recognizes the Royal Navy's contributions to our community."

HMS Dragon is currently undergoing a major refit in Portsmouth, including upgrades to its engines, sensors, and weapons systems. The destroyer, which has a crew of over 200, is tasked with defending other naval vessels using its advanced anti-air missile system. The ship’s affiliation with Wrexham follows its previous association with Cardiff, which ended after a new frigate named HMS Cardiff was launched.

Despite most councillors backing the decision, Harper voiced Plaid Cymru’s discomfort, stating, "While we support awarding freedom to individuals and organizations, we’re uneasy about extending this honour to an inanimate object."

On the other hand, Cllr Hugh Jones (Conservative) defended the move, highlighting the importance of such recognitions to naval personnel and their families. He remarked, "HMS Dragon is not just an object; it represents a large group of serving officers and sailors. Their families benefit greatly from these affiliations, so I fully support this motion."

Cllr Jeremy Kent (Conservative) added his support with a light-hearted comment, noting, "While we may not see HMS Dragon sailing up the River Gwenfro anytime soon, it's essential to recognize this affiliation and offer them the freedom of the borough."

The decision passed with 37 councillors in favour and three abstaining. This makes HMS Dragon the fourth warship to be associated with Wrexham, following the adoption of HMS Veteran, HMS Begonia, and HMS Anemone during World War II.

A formal ceremony will be scheduled later this year to officially confer the honour upon the Royal Navy’s HMS Dragon.