Theresa May joins Church of England in condemnation
A major spat has broken out after the National Trust dropped the word “Easter” from its annual egg hunt.
The charity’s chocolate egg event, which is sponsored by the confectionary giant, has been called an “Easter Egg Trail” but this year has been rebranded as the “Great British Egg Hunt”.
Initially the membership body was accused by the Church of England of “airbrushing faith from Easter.”
Now prime minister Theresa May has waded in calling the move “absolutely ridiculous”.
She added: “I don't know what they are thinking about frankly. Easter's very important... It's a very important festival for the Christian faith for millions across the world.”
The organisation encourages families to take part in the hunt at NTS properties across the UK with it becoming a major source of fundraising.
A spokesperson for the trust said the move was made by Cadbury.
“The National Trust is in no way downplaying the significance of Easter, which is why we put on a huge number of events, activities and walks to bring families together at this time of year. We work closely with Cadbury, who are responsible for the branding and wording of our egg hunt campaign,” said the spokesperson.
Last year there was criticism after Cadbury apparently removed the word “Easter” from the front of its Easter egg packaging, after relegating the word to the back of packs and labelling them "Milk Chocolate Eggs".
A spokesman for Cadbury said: "Each year, our Easter campaigns have a different name and this year our seasonal campaign is called the ‘Cadbury’s Great British Egg Hunt’.
"It is clear to see that within our communications and marketing we clearly state the word Easter and include it in a number of promotional materials, including our website, where we do also promote our partnership with National Trust at this seasonal time of year.
“We invite people from all faiths and none to enjoy our seasonal treats, which can be found around Easter time.”
The British Humanist Association (BHA) described the issue as a "storm in an eggcup".
