By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-13 08:29:33 | Updated at 2025-01-13 12:01:48
3 hours ago
GB News star Eamonn Holmes has lashed out at plans that could see existing graves across England and Wales being reused.
The plans could disturb graves of the war dead, it has been warned, which has prompted a West Yorkshire campaigner to launch a petition against the potential reusing of old graves and closed cemeteries.
Speaking on the People’s Channel, Eamonn said it shows a lack of respect for heroes who gave their lives to ensure the country’s future.
“I very distinctly say no, no, no on this”, he said on GB News.
A West Yorkshire campaigner fears that the graves of the war dead may be disturbed as part of a plan to save space in cemeteries
GB NEWS
“I go to my parents’ graves every time I’m back in Belfast and I sit and I talk to them by the graveside. I am happy to pray and reflect there.
“Why should that be taken away from me? There’s certain things about this country that make me sick.
“People get outraged about certain religious things, ‘you can’t say this about that religion’. When it comes to Christianity and graves, you can do whatever the heck you want.
“Nobody cares, nobody seems to care.”
Eamonn spoke on GB News about the 'sickening' plans
GB NEWS
Grave reuse is currently permitted in Church of England churchyards, London local authority cemeteries, and select burial grounds with specific Acts of Parliament.
The Law Commission suggests the reform would increase burial capacity and save money that would otherwise be spent preparing new burial land.
The proposal includes "sufficient safeguards" and is particularly aimed at addressing space shortages in urban areas.
The Commission is now analysing responses following a public consultation, with final recommendations due later this year.
A petition has been launched against the grave reuse proposals by Christine Leeman, a community champion in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
"I would be absolutely appalled at the thought that any grave that's 75-years-old over, and if this law gets passed, then they can dig that person up," Leeman told GB News.
She expressed particular concern about war graves, noting there are 124 war heroes in Dewsbury Cemetery.
Local resident Paul Halloran supported the petition, calling the plans "abhorrent".
"These are people's family members. There's war graves in here. I mean, just in the term alone, just using the term dig up is horrendous," he said.
Kirklees Council confirmed there are currently no proposals for grave reuse in their area.
