Patriotic squaddie Craig Briggs has been barred from joining the police because he’s got an ENGLAND tattoo on his arm.
The Iraq veteran, 22, had wanted to be a cop since childhood and was advised to join the Army to get experience first.
But when he applied he was told: “Unfortunately, some people feel intimidated by the word England.”
Last night Craig, who has just completed 4½ years with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: “I am shocked and disgusted.
“I don’t understand how it can cause offence. It is our country, after all.”
Craig applied to join Greater Manchester Police shortly before returning to civvy street this month.
When he admitted he had a tattoo, he was asked to send a photo of the inch-high Gothic letters spelling ENGLAND on the underside of his right forearm.
He was later told he had been rejected by the recruitment department.
It wrote: “Home Office policy precludes applications with tattoos on lower arm, hand, face or neck that are prominent, which may cause offence and/or invite provocation from the public or colleagues.”
Craig, of Batley, West Yorks, has had the tattoo — which starts at his elbow and ends at his wrist — since he was 19.
He said he was told in a phone call by the Manchester force’s senior recruitment consultant: “A family who aren’t of English origin who see England on your arm could feel you might discriminate against them.
“We live in a diverse society and try to ensure we give everybody equality.”
Craig said: “I’ve been told I could get the tattoo altered so it doesn’t spell England any more.
“But I’m now looking at other options like the fire service or prison service.”
A force spokesman said: “We expect officers to look professional.
“This tattoo was clearly visible. As it does not meet our rigorous standards, his application was rejected.”
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What the hell, now I’ve heard it all an englishman can’t have England tattooed on him. Whats next, you can’t eat pork pie in public?
England for Englishmen.
WPWW.
yes its our country after all jesus have we got any say in our own country but bet the tattoo good enough to fight for country thou i just come back from holidaying un turkey went on a excursion every wear we went the turkish flag was flyin good to see the turkis tour guide said they wer patriotic i wish our country was now we frighten to fly it in case it offends what load of crap