In late 2004, Tony Blair's government altered wreath-laying rules at the Cenotaph to ensure participation from Northern Irish parties, particularly the Democratic Unionists. This decision followed a shift in political power, where the DUP became the largest party after gaining six parliamentary seats. Previously, only parties with at least six seats could lay wreaths, disallowing DUP leader Ian Paisley from participating. The rule change reflected ongoing negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland and aimed to mitigate tensions between the DUP and Ulster Unionists while managing perceptions among Scottish and Welsh nationalists.
Tony Blair's government altered the rules governing wreath-laying at the Cenotaph to accommodate unionists, with particular emphasis on maintaining balance between key Northern Irish political parties.
The change was initiated before the 2004 Remembrance Sunday, allowing leaders of parties with at least six seats in parliament to lay wreaths, giving the Democratic Unionists equal participation after they gained six seats.
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