← Back to House of Commons Debates
Lisbon Maru Memorial 2025-09-01
01 September 2025
Lead MP
Kirsteen Sullivan
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EmploymentScotland
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Kirsteen Sullivan raised concerns about lisbon maru memorial 2025-09-01 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I thank the Minister for her time and attention on the debate. On 1 October 1942, an unmarked Japanese freighter called the Lisbon Maru was carrying over 1,800 British and allied prisoners of war—hundreds were from the Royal Scots regiment. Conditions for prisoners on this ship, known as 'hell ships,' were brutal and unsanitary... Amid that horror, a glimmer of humanity emerged: Chinese fishermen risked their lives to rescue hundreds of survivors and gave them shelter in their homes... This tragedy was not known to me until this year when a constituent reached out. For Gerry Borge, his father John and uncle Eddie's experience on board the Lisbon Maru and their miraculous survival was a story he needed to share... Honouring our history and the conflicts that have often defined it is something I believe Britain has done well over the years... The National Memorial Arboretum has a dedicated memorial to the Lisbon Maru tragedy, but a new memorial in Scotland would be an excellent place to learn about bravery and horrors of war.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I commend the hon. Lady for securing this debate... The tragedy resulting in more than 800 deaths, many from Scotland, makes a memorial seem appropriate.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
A few days ago, I met relatives of people who died on the Suez Maru... The fight for an answer about why no war crimes trial took place is still emotive for them.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
We must continue to bring out all the facts about the events in the far east... Scotland played a particular role there.
Government Response
I congratulate my hon. Friend Kirsteen Sullivan on securing this debate... I recently had the privilege of representing the UK Government at the VJ Day 80th anniversary service in Edinburgh castle... As we have heard today, every constituency has a story to tell, so it is right that we remember all those who died, suffered injuries and were imprisoned during this conflict. It is right that we thank them and recognise their suffering deeply for our shared freedoms. The UK Government acknowledges and deeply regrets the loss of life on the Lisbon Maru, with Japan having shown contrition for their wartime actions over several decades. The closeness of modern partnerships is highlighted by recent visits to Japan. There is a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire which commemorates those affected, along with an annual gathering. The Minister encourages the Scottish Government to support efforts to commemorate those affected and advocates for appropriate honouring and remembering the past. A commitment to veterans includes providing care, support, and opportunities that they rightfully deserve through initiatives like Op VALOUR (£50 million) and the LGBT financial redress scheme (£75 million).
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.