Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Dame Vera Lynn: National Memorial

11 May 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by David Amess Con Southend West

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Amess raised concerns about dame vera lynn: national memorial in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Sir David Amess highlighted Dame Vera Lynn's contributions during World War II and her charitable work through two charities she established.
  • Amess proposed building a memorial on the white cliffs of Dover, emphasizing its symbolic importance due to her famous song about the location.
  • The Minister expressed support for the memorial but noted that central government typically does not fund new memorials, encouraging local funding initiatives.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

David Amess Con Southend West

Sir David Amess highlighted the life and legacy of Dame Vera Lynn, an iconic figure in British history. He detailed her contributions during World War II as 'forces’ sweetheart' and her charitable work through two charities she established: The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity and the Dame Vera Lynn Charitable Trust. Amess proposed a memorial to be built on the white cliffs of Dover, emphasising its symbolic importance given her famous song about the location. He outlined plans for an amphitheatre and expressed hope that it would become a site for concerts, theatre performances, and military events.

Other contributors (2)
  • Eleanor Laing Con Welwyn Hatfield

    Praised Amess's enthusiasm and agreed that the number of supporters will grow.

  • Natalie Elphicke Con Reigate

    Expressed gratitude for Sir David Amess on behalf of Dame Vera’s family, Virginia and Tom, for his dedication in bringing this to fruition.

Government Response

Matt Warman

The Minister acknowledged the importance of Dame Vera Lynn's contributions and her lasting legacy. He expressed support for the erection of a memorial on the white cliffs of Dover, highlighting the Government’s backing for public monuments and statues as they bridge the gap between past and present. Warman noted that it is not standard practice for central government to fund new memorials but recognised the success of locally funded projects like this one. He wished Sir David Amess and all involved the best in their efforts to raise funds, calling it an ambitious and transformative proposal fitting Dame Vera's contributions.

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