Lancaster and York MPs are both calling for their cities to be granted ‘Royal Town' status as part of the Queen's upcoming Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Widely claimed as a modern-day War of the Roses, a battle has begun between York and Lancaster after ministers supported calls for a northern town to receive the royal town title.
Conservative Party Chairman, Oliver Dowden, recently endorsed giving royal status to a Northern town at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. At present there is no 'Royal' town in Northern England and MPs are hoping that the granting of a royal title to a northern city could be confirmed in 2022 as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Lancaster's MP and Shadow Minister for Young People and Democracy, Cat Smith, said she would have “no issue with becoming the Royal City of Lancaster.”
If the title went to York she said, "I will be outraged, that would be such an injustice. Let’s face it, Lancaster won the War of the Roses, it’s our Royal patronage to have.”
Her counterpart from York, Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central hopes York will be win the title and offered her view on it going to Lancaster.
She said: “Well that simply can't happen can it? I think even the Government will recognise that would be a grave error.”
In the 15th century Lancashire and Yorkshire separated England in a bid to reach the throne and the resulting conflict became known as The War of The Roses.
Queen Elizabeth II is Britain’s longest-serving monarch and next year will celebrate her 70th year on the throne. The Platinum Jubilee will mark her historic milestone and decades of service. A series of celebratory events are planned including an extended bank holiday in June.


Lancaster-Morecambe train services cancelled amid heavy rain warnings
Pair jailed for violent attack on man in Lancaster street
Panjab Warriors interview: "Morecambe FC will never be in danger while we are owners."
Canal charity gets the ‘hump’ as Lancaster Canal bridges suffer more collision damage
Lancaster wills company donates thousands to help local community groups making a difference
Morecambe Bay Curriculum wins top award
Lancaster film director's latest action movie now showing in UK cinemas
Appeal after Jack Russell dog found collapsed in Lancaster
Lancaster food companies announced as finalists in new Taste Lancashire Producer Awards
New student apartments block opens in Lancaster
Former BBC reporter and ex-Heysham shipping chief launch popular maritime podcast
Lancaster children get life-saving advice at 'Crucial Crew' water safety event
Crews tackle house fire in Heysham
Police appeal after 20 motorbike thefts in 30 days in Lancaster and Morecambe area
Truck driver jailed for causing death of six-year-old Lancaster girl
Former Morecambe Football Club co-chairmen break silence after shock resignation from board
Royal Lancaster Infirmary ward closed to visitors due to norovirus outbreak
Morecambe Football Club stalwarts resign from board
Heysham coffee shop couple take over Morecambe craft ale bar
Morecambe seafront cafe reopens

