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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

NO to a state funeral for Captain Sir Tom Moore AIBU?

422 replies

Muncher75 · 03/02/2021 18:37

Just that really. I’ve just been sent an email from change.org asking me to sign a petition to push for a state funeral for him.
Now don’t get me wrong he was a remarkable man and an inspiration... but a state funeral? That will cost us, the taxpayer money we definitely cannot afford in the currant climate. Also I’m sure he’d rather the money go where it’s needed.

OP posts:
mrbensbaker · 03/02/2021 19:19

@FoxyTheFox

I mean this with no disrespect to Captain Tom or his family but Christ on a bike, where will it end!? They should be left in peace to mourn his passing not shoved into the pomp and circumstance of a state funeral.
This. It's wholly inappropriate. I think the Queen should be the last state funeral and then the whole circus should be abandoned, funerals should be for families and friends only.
BuggerOffAndGoodDayToYou · 03/02/2021 19:20

@MsFogi

FFS the country's finances are in tatters already without paying for a state funeral/memorial etc etc.
^this
bbbbbbbbbccccc · 03/02/2021 19:20

I am sure this lovely man would not want a state funeral. And neither would his family. He 'deserves' the pomp and ceremony to mark his passing as much as any human does..

TFSRM · 03/02/2021 19:21

@Propagandalf

I agree with *@Twistered* that the family should get the last say. If they opted for the state funeral, then that is a drop in the ocean compared to the £30M-odd he raised for the NHS.
It really wouldn't be a drop in the ocean compared to what he raised.
Doublefaced · 03/02/2021 19:22

Urrrgh what a ridiculous idea.

Benjispruce2 · 03/02/2021 19:22

This is getting out of hand and it’s totally inappropriate.

Babyroobs · 03/02/2021 19:22

@Rosehip10

Just no. This is ridiculous. The whole Captain Tom thing has become a vulgar PR construct - and I doubt this was his intention personally.
Agree with this entirely.
minchinfin · 03/02/2021 19:25

Totally agree with this

Topseyt · 03/02/2021 19:25

@Mamagotskills

Wouldn’t be surprised if his daughter was behind it, she seems to have been the driving force of the whole thing and courts the publicity.
She isn’t the author of the petition, which now has over 101,000 signatures.

It might be a good idea soon if they clarified that this sort of thing has not been requested and won’t be required. That instead they will be following any wishes and plans left by Captain Sir Tom himself. I would presume that is actually what they are doing anyway.

LetMeStraightenMyCrownFirst · 03/02/2021 19:26

I thought exactly the same thing when that email landed in my inbox. The petition must also have been started by someone who doesn't understand how state funerals are funded.

lyralalala · 03/02/2021 19:29

@ilovesooty

Oh I see several people have said that Thatcher didn't have one.
She was offered one, as she was the first female prime minister, but declined it.
Judashascomeintosomemoney · 03/02/2021 19:30

Like others I thought Margaret Thatcher had a State funeral. I’m surprised to find, on googling, that though entitled to one she declined that, and also a military fly past, due to the excessive costs to the public purse. I find myself in the odd position of thinking more of her than I previously had. Confused

BeakyWinder · 03/02/2021 19:30

Bloody ridiculous.

99victoria · 03/02/2021 19:30

David Attenborough is the only non-Royal who deserves a state funeral! (But hopefully not for a long time yet :) )

MarshaBradyo · 03/02/2021 19:31

@99victoria

David Attenborough is the only non-Royal who deserves a state funeral! (But hopefully not for a long time yet :) )
Yep I’d go for this
DuckonaBike · 03/02/2021 19:31

It would be nice to commemorate him by funding the NHS better.

MarshaBradyo · 03/02/2021 19:31

And agree hopefully not for a long time!

KisstheTeapot14 · 03/02/2021 19:32

He did a great job of raising money but charity is caused by the failure of the government. How the hell the NHS is now a charity people should donate to and this is okay is beyond me. The government should not have been bleeding the NHS dry for years, and selling it off piecemeal under the radar for years. That money he raised should not have been required

This ^

Ironic Boris being all gushing about Tom.

lyralalala · 03/02/2021 19:32

@Judashascomeintosomemoney

Like others I thought Margaret Thatcher had a State funeral. I’m surprised to find, on googling, that though entitled to one she declined that, and also a military fly past, due to the excessive costs to the public purse. I find myself in the odd position of thinking more of her than I previously had. Confused
She wasn't that worried about the cost because she accepted a ceremonial funeral, which still cost millions. She could have opted for a private family funeral, but didn't.
FlightyBird · 03/02/2021 19:33

This has got completely out of hand. Don’t understand why his family haven’t said ‘enough is enough’.
My thoughts are with all those thousands who died without family by their side (and with the HCP who looked after them).

nocoolnamesleft · 03/02/2021 19:33

The best memorial to Captain Tom would be actually adequately funding the NHS.

RubyViolet · 03/02/2021 19:34

I think that a State Funeral is a bit bonkers.
But no less bonkers than a free holiday in Barbados for nearly a month that cost well over £50,000.
This is where the family stayed www.blueskyluxury.com/barbados/holidays/property/1680/high-trees/
I don’t blame them though, l wouldn’t have turned the First class flights or the villa down either.

BrieAndChilli · 03/02/2021 19:35

It seems a bit over the top and ridiculous, I think the scientists who have worked tirelessly on the vaccine deserve more praise, don’t see any of them getting a state funeral!

Viviennemary · 03/02/2021 19:35

I am all for a state funeral for him if his family want it.

OhWhyNot · 03/02/2021 19:36

No of course not

What he achieved last year was wonderful and maybe a statue in his town but he isn’t a historical figure he was a lovely man we shall remember fondly