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Remembrance Day Armed Forces 2025-11-11
11 November 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
The Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns raised concerns about remembrance day armed forces 2025-11-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
On Sunday, His Majesty the King led the nation in commemorating generations of men and women who served, fought and did not return home. Approximately 10,000 veterans gathered at the Cenotaph to observe the traditional two-minute silence and participate in the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Sunday march-past. The Minister emphasised that freedom is a precious legacy from those heroes who laid down their lives for peace and security. He also highlighted several military anniversaries celebrated this year, including the 80th anniversary of VE Day and Victory over Japan Day. The statement included appreciation for the Royal British Legion's work on the poppy appeal and recognition of Ukrainian allies in their fight against Putin’s war of aggression. Additionally, he acknowledged the tireless work done by military personnel to educate young people about remembrance and maintain military graves.
Derby North
Question
Support for our veterans is essential. Will the Minister join me in wishing good luck to those who have set up a new branch of the Royal British Legion in Derby? Does he agree that this Government’s veterans strategy, including £13.8 million to address homelessness, shows that we are marching in step with those who campaign for veterans?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked his hon. Friend and wished good luck to the RBL on expanding its portfolio in Derby. He also put on record appreciation for the work done by the Royal British Legion throughout the year.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Question
Will the Minister join me in thanking all the young people from local schools who came with homemade poppies and wreaths to the cenotaph this morning?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked his hon. Friend for a poignant contribution, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness about sacrifice among the youth.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Does the Minister agree that we need to follow through with real action to ensure that brave servicemen and women are not disadvantaged today and into the future?
Minister reply
The right hon. Member made an interesting point, but the Minister emphasised that this day is about remembrance rather than political debate. He mentioned a scheduled debate on Thursday when such issues could be discussed in detail.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Is it not a very good example of how the next generation sometimes understands commemoration better than my generation did, given that nearly 2,000 people turned up to commemorate those who have fallen at the memorial in Chingford?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of commemorations and the increased attendance at events like the one in Chingford.
Chichester
Question
The Minister is right to acknowledge not just veterans but those who have loved them. Today my son had the privilege of reading at our local cenotaph, remembering those who were killed in World War II and a friend who died in Afghanistan.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Lady for her moving contribution. I am delighted to highlight that we managed to raise just under £500,000 for veterans charities and the specific needs of bereaved children, which will go to help loved ones across a plethora of different charities.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
Joshua Mullinger is an able cadet in the sea cadets in York and played an integral role in the York service of remembrance. Will the Minister join me in commemorating the work of those very remarkable individuals?
Minister reply
The cadets play such an important part, with the sea cadets right at the forefront. Seeing Joshua thriving in that environment is absolutely superb, and hearing of Martin Rowley excelling after being in service is hugely admirable—I thank him in particular for his service.
Question
While we are celebrating and remembering the greatest generation, we also have the potential to build our young people into being the best generation. Perhaps we should be focusing on that as well—looking back, but also looking forward, as I think the Minister said. We must try to raise a generation of young people who are proud to be British, to stand against repression, and to undertake to be inclusive.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
While we are celebrating and remembering the greatest generation, we also have the potential to build our young people into being the best generation. Perhaps we should be focusing on that as well—looking back, but also looking forward, as I think the Minister said. We must try to raise a generation of young people who are proud to be British, to stand against repression, and to undertake to be inclusive.
Slough
Minister reply
As Chair of the Defence Committee and on behalf of the whole Committee, I want to express our deepest gratitude to all those who have served our country to keep us safe. On this day, we remember and honour those whose bravery and sacrifice secured for us the freedoms that we value so dearly, and pay tribute to those who continue to protect our way of life today.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Does he agree that it would be more than helpful—particularly in the face of Russian aggression, and of the American retraction from European defence—if the French Government took another look at how the United Kingdom could be involved in a shared European defence approach?
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
Question
Honoured the sacrifices of those who served and campaigned for the release of papers related to the Sir Galahad bombing, urging the Department to help speed up the process.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
Highlighted the risk to special forces due to legal uncertainty caused by lawfare. Cited concerns raised by retired four-star generals over the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Barrow and Furness
Question
Emphasised the remembrance day spirit in Barrow and Furness, acknowledging both the industrial tradition of submarine building and the local Army Reserve centre.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
A moving tribute to the soldiers who died in Sangin during Operation Herrick 11, highlighting specific casualties and emphasising the importance of remembering their sacrifices.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Question
An appeal for recognition of all veterans, particularly mentioning the discovery that 389 names are missing from the Lewis war memorial and urging the government to invest in correcting these historical records.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Question
A statement on the importance of recognising the service of all veterans, mentioning local efforts such as Army cadets collecting for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Question
Remarks on the importance of remembrance, restoration of war memorials, and support for ex-service personnel.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
Letter from eight four-star generals and an air chief marshal warning against the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Chris Kane
Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Question
Reflections on three names recorded at Stirling’s war memorial, including Margaret Fleming and her family's losses during World War I.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Paid tribute to Scots who died in World War I, II and subsequent conflicts. Mentioned local casualties from Blairgowrie and Montrose.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
Honoured veterans of both world wars in Stevenage and raised concerns about the support for modern armed forces personnel and veterans, highlighting a local veteran report.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Acknowledged remembrance events including war widows' ceremony at Cenotaph and BBC's festival of remembrance. Mentioned local ceremonies in Lyndhurst and near the Isle of Wight.
David Baines
Lab
St Helens North
Question
Commemorated St Helens' connection with armed forces, including planting a cross for Corporal Derek Johnson. Welcomed Minister to discuss veterans support.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Question
The MP talked about his personal experiences at remembrance events, including laying a wreath in Devizes and participating in 'Pedal to Ypres'. He highlighted the unity of communities during these events.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
The MP discussed remembrance as a moment of national unity, honouring those who served. He shared personal experiences including meeting four generations of black servicemen in his constituency.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
The MP reflected on the sacrifices made during conflicts, particularly focusing on Northern Ireland's history and recent military operations. She mentioned the importance of ensuring no veteran is left without support.
Pam Cox
Lab
Colchester
Question
The MP paid tribute to Colchester's connection with armed forces, including visits to Commonwealth war graves. She highlighted the Gurkha community and recent defence housing strategy.
Epsom and Ewell
Question
The MP noted her experience as a veteran, discussing Epsom and Ewell's military heritage, including the 135 Geographic Squadron and local veterans hub.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
Question
Reflection on the dedication of veterans and the need to support them through daily choices made by the Government.
Stratford-on-Avon
Question
Acknowledgement of local remembrance activities, including the Royal Observer Corps and the campaign for a national memorial to those who served in the photographic reconnaissance unit.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
Reflection on personal family history involving veterans from world war two and recognition of sacrifices made by airmen in Bomber Command.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Question
Paid tribute to the armed forces and veterans in South East Cornwall, highlighting their sacrifices and contributions.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Spoke about remembrance day tributes and the importance of remembering war heroes. Mentioned Robert Quigg, who was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
Discussed low morale among veterans due to decisions by successive Governments and raised concerns about a Bill that may harm recruitment in armed forces.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Declared interest as former military member and expressed concern over vexatious attempts to rewrite history, stating it was worth the sacrifices made by veterans.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
It is a real privilege to close this debate on remembrance and the contribution of the armed forces for His Majesty’s loyal Opposition. I place on record my thanks, and the thanks of Conservative Members, to the Royal British Legion, our armed forces personnel and their families... We heard contributions from the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr Bailey), who is an experienced aviator from the RAF, raised the salient point that remembrance belongs to all of us.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
The SNP Member for Aberdeen North asked about the government's commitment to supporting veterans and their families. She highlighted the need for better mental health support and assistance in finding employment.
Minister reply
The Minister responded by reiterating the importance of mental health support and committed to working with local authorities and charities to ensure veterans receive proper care and assistance.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
North East Fife
Question
Pressed the Secretary of State on whether the information had been cited by the WASPI women or provided by DWP, and questioned how the former Secretary of State was able to quote the report when she made her statement to this House in December 2024 without having the report.
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