THREE Conservative MPs are calling for monuments to those who have fought for the country to be excluded from a review.

Dehenna Davison, Richard Holden and Paul Howell, who represent seats in County Durham, have written to Durham County Council leader, Councillor Simon Henig, about the matter.

Cllr Henig recently said the authority was conducting an audit of all statues and monuments in light of issues raised in connection with the Black Lives Matter movement.

In their joint letter, they said: “The overwhelming majority of monuments that exist with-in County Durham are dedicated to the memories of those who fought, and in many cases died, in the service of our country in conflicts from the Napoleonic wars, where the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot fought in the battles of the Peninsular War, to the recent service of The Rifles in Helmand.

“They represent the incalculable sacrifice of those who were prepared to give, and in many cases gave, everything for our freedom. They also serve to remind us of our servicemen and women serving across the world.

“For the people of County Durham they are not merely metal and stone but an enduring focal point for remembrance.

“These monuments are a reminder of the debt we all to those who have gone before in the battle against tyrants and totalitarianism.”

The MPs have also questioned the council’s use of resources, suggesting that, given the huge pressures that the face the whole country following Coronavirus, particularly in helping the local economy bounce back, that resources should be focused on helping save and protect local jobs.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are currently conducting a desktop audit of statues and monuments under our care to establish if any of these structures have links to racism, discrimination and prejudice in any form, such as connections to the slave trade.

“It follows that war memorials are not included in the audit, which is focused on information gathering.

“We believe in equality and work closely with our partners and communities to maintain our county as a safe and welcoming place for all.”