Green Party members on Northumberland County Council refused to back plans for a military parade through the streets of Hexham, claiming it was the wrong time to celebrate "militarism".
The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, which has been based at Northumberland's Albermarle Barracks since 2015, requested permission to march through the streets of Hexham and hold a ceremony on July 16 to reflect the "significant changes" they are facing in terms of the equipment the regiment uses.
3RHA was awarded the Freedom of Northumberland in 2016 by the county council in recognition of their service to the people of the county and in recognition of the "vital tasks" they carry out, and sought the council's support for the "major event" and to exercise that freedom.
Read more: Northumberland whisky distillery to source all ingredients within 20-mile radius
The matter was brought before members at Wednesday's extraordinary full council meeting at County Hall. While the vast majority of the council was supportive of the event, Green councillor Nick Morphet, who represents Humshaugh, raised concerns and encouraged other councillors to oppose the move.
He said: "Given the fact that Hexham Market Place was once the site of a massacre by the military of 50 or more civilians protesting against enforced conscription, and given there is currently a war in Eastern Europe, and that many people are fearful of that war escalating, I don't think Hexham is the place or that this is the time to celebrate militarism in any form.
"I therefore cannot support this march going ahead, and I would like others to join me in opposing it."
Coun Morphet was referring to the 1761 Hexham Riot, where a crowd protesting changes to the criteria for serving in the Milita of Great Britain were fired upon by troops from the North Yorkshire Milita. Fifty-one protesters were killed.
Hexham Central with Acomb councillor Trevor Cessford spoke in support of the event, pointing out 3RHA's previous association with Hexham and the town's strong military links.
He said: "When 3RHA were awarded the magnificent honour of the Freedom of Northumberland, they made a request to hold an event in Hexham. I'm sure it's no coincidence that they have requested July's event to again be in Hexham.
"My father was in the RAF during World War II as was my uncle Richard. My Uncle Jim was in the army and was among those evacuated from Dunkirk. There are lots of other family connections as well, as indeed there will be for many other residents within our town and Northumberland as a whole.
"People may join the forces as a way of learning a trade, but they're also there to help out in times of need. However, there is always the possibility they may be called into action in defence of their country, at risk to their own personal safety - a task they do without a backwards step.
"To support our troops is not to say you are an advocate of war, but it is to show our appreciation for what they do in service of us all, and to let them know we value them."
Labour leader Scott Dickinson also spoke in support of the event. He said: "As the son of a 20-plus year veteran I fully support this. We have a high RAF personnel, a high army personnel in Northumberland.
"I agree at the moment Russia is causing mayhem and war against innocent people in Ukraine, but what we also need to do is recognise that we have people here in our communities who work tirelessly - not in war all the time, but actually helping our communities.
"These are the things we need to remember, it's not all about war. I appreciate the comments Coun Morphet has made, but when we give freedom of Northumberland to a regiment such as this, and we were proud to do it at the time, we need to show - particularly now - our solidarity with servicemen and women living in Northumberland."
Councillors voted in a vast majority to approve the event, with the two Green Party members voting against and one abstention.
In a statement after the meeting, a Northumberland Conservative Party spokesman said: "We hold our armed forces in the highest regard, the regiment is a huge part of our community .
"We are delighted that Coun Cessford brought this to the full council and the vast majority of Councillors supported the suggestion. Without such dedicated highly trained and well equipped service personnel there to defend out country we would be in a very sorry state.
"We were surprised and very disappointed to hear the comments of Coun Morphet. Many residents from his ward have a long association with our armed forces and would be concerned by his remarks."
