MPs protest at V2 rocket celebration

GERMAN plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of Hitler's supersonic V2 rocket, which killed nearly 3,000 Britons, drew bitter protests yesterday. Winston Churchill, Conservative MP for Davyhulme, said on BBC Radio: 'This is not what happens in civilised countries.'

Organisers of the celebration in Peenemunde say the launch represented the first step in space exploration. But critics recalled the German outcry in May over the statue to Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris.

Harry Greenway, Conservative MP for Ealing North, said: 'I remember the V2 raids as a small boy. They were terrifying. I feel this will cause quite unnecessary distress between our two nations.'

David Winnick, Labour MP for Walsall North, said: 'What are the Germans next going to celebrate? The planes that were sent over in 1940 for the terror raids? The sinking of British battleships?'