War Graves Week

Welcomed the contribution made by Grant Shapps, thanked staff based in her constituency of Maidenhead for their efforts to maintain war graves, especially those operating under difficult conditions.

Asked about updating war graves and memorials with new information, referencing the Spitfire AA810 project which aims to improve understanding of RAF photo reconnaissance pilots during WWII. She proposed expanding memorials as more information is uncovered.

The MP highlights the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, paying tribute to its efforts in caring for war graves and memorials around the world. He mentions specific sites in Plymouth such as Weston Mill Cemetery and the No Place memorial, which commemorates child sailors who died at sea. Pollard also encourages MPs to visit the National Memorial Arboretum to remember those who gave their lives in service.

James Grey intervenes to inform that Mr Speaker is considering a parliamentary memorial at the National Arboretum, commemorating parliamentarians who died. He also raises concerns about the lack of commemoration for those who died on ships like HMS Exeter and suggests that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission should reconsider its stance on war graves at sea.

Matthew Offord mentions his interest in marine archaeology and questions whether the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 and the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 adequately protect warship wrecks. He acknowledges that these Acts provide some level of protection but expresses concerns about the risks to sites like Dogger Bank due to mineral extraction.

Welcomes the debate on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, emphasises the importance of their work in maintaining cemeteries and memorials worldwide. Discusses personal connections to World War II veterans and the commission's global impact. Highlights sustainability efforts and acknowledges challenges faced due to current conflicts. Emphasises the need for intergenerational remembrance and supports future commemorative events.

The Scottish National Party proudly supports the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in ensuring that those who died in service as a result of conflict are commemorated. The Commission maintains war graves across 150 countries, and over 1.1 million headstones worldwide. Dorans paid tribute to his great uncle Corporal William Dorans who served in World War I, emphasising the importance of remembering such individuals through memorials like Ypres Menin Gate and Tyne Cot cemetery. He also highlighted local initiatives, such as the Girvan and District Great War Project that records the service history of local men who died during conflicts. Additionally, he mentioned efforts to create a permanent memorial for French sailors killed near Girvan in 1917, raising £12,000 through fundraising activities. Dorans stressed the role of education in preserving memories and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made by those who fought.

Expressed gratitude towards the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, acknowledged the importance of remembering all who fell in common cause during wars, and emphasised the principle of equality in commemoration. He also highlighted the ongoing responsibilities of the CWGC beyond just maintaining cemeteries and memorials on the Western Front. Quin mentioned specific examples from Singapore, New Delhi, and Hong Kong, and welcomed the Secretary of State's commitment to increased funding for three years.

Paid tribute to the Chair of the Defence Committee, praised the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in commemorating war casualties globally, highlighted the commission’s Legacy of Liberation 80 campaign for the D-day landings’ 80th anniversary. She emphasised the importance of remembering those who fought and died during World War II and acknowledged the dedication of the commission's workforce around the world.

Told a story about Lieutenant David Cox and Captain Peter Martin from the Cheshire Regiment, who were involved in Operation Husky during World War II. Emphasised the importance of honouring war graves and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Noted concerns over individual war graves suffering from lack of care despite the CWGC's best efforts.

I begin by thanking the right hon. Member for Ludlow and my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull North for their service as commissioners on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I also wish to comment on the speeches of the right hon. Members for Beckenham and for Horsham, highlighting their special passion and commitment to those people honoured. In debates such as this, I often feel full of regret due to my grandfather's untold experiences in the second world war. It is vital that we uphold these graves, as many soldiers are commemorated by their families but remain nameless on battlefields. We owe a debt of honour to World War Two veterans and must remember them properly. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission fights against fake news and the challenging of archives and documents, ensuring historical accuracy. Schools and community groups should be made aware of military sacrifice. As Harry Kane said, 'One day you are just playing football and the next you are risking your life.' We must remember the horrors of war and pay tribute to those who fought for our armed services.

In my 32 years in Parliament, I am hearing some of the finest speeches I have ever heard. Absolutely superb.

Honours the work of the CWGC and emphasises its importance in reminding people of the horrors of war, ensuring proper commemoration for soldiers who have died in service, and providing a focus for families to remember their loved ones. He mentions his personal experiences at repatriation ceremonies and welcomes returning brigades from Iraq and Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of commemorating those who did not return home.

The work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is very important, especially in commemorating over 1.7 million casualties across more than 23,000 locations globally. He highlighted his personal experience visiting El Alamein cemetery and shared details about his great-uncle who died during World War I. He emphasised that the commission provides a memorial for both the dead and the living.

The work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is crucial in maintaining war graves, especially post-World War II. Will paid tribute to Mike Jackson, who raised over £275,000 for Help for Heroes and campaigned successfully with MP support to have the Ministry of Defence budget increased for the maintenance of non-Commonwealth War Graves Commission war graves, leading to a funding commitment in perpetuity.

Emphasised the importance of Brookwood military cemetery in his constituency, highlighting its significance as the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the UK. He provided detailed information about the cemetery's history and its various sections dedicated to different nationalities and wars. Jonathan Lord also praised the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and volunteers who maintain graves across the country. He expressed gratitude for those who have made ultimate sacrifices and echoed support for the Prime Minister’s commitment to defence spending.

Emphasised the dedication of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in maintaining cemeteries worldwide, including from Fromelles to Papua New Guinea. Also highlighted the importance of education and local involvement through the foundation's work, encouraging support for its educational projects.

Acknowledged Kevan Jones' points about the importance of volunteers in maintaining war graves, mentioning Billy and Mary Grant who have cared for Czech airmen's graves in Tain for 35 years.

Acknowledged contributions from various MPs, emphasising the importance of remembering sacrifices made during war. Highlighted the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in maintaining memorial sites and records across the world.

Acknowledged contributions from various Members including those on the Defence Committee, reflecting on family service and merchant seamen. Emphasised the scale of sacrifice by Commonwealth forces and the importance of remembrance events.

Thanked the Minister for his work in supporting the CWGC and acknowledged their efforts in maintaining his father's grave in Normandy.

Complained about lack of media coverage on debates like this, highlighting its importance despite lower attendance. Stressed the productive nature of such bipartisan discussions.