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We have just been through the centenary of the great war. Does the Minister agree that the difference between 80 years and 100 is that we still have veterans among us? Sadly, when we come to the centenary of the events we are commemorating this year, that will not be the case... I hope I have outlined this in my contribution, but I reiterate that we want veterans to be front and centre of these commemorations.
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Emphasised the importance of remembering atrocities committed against POWs and the Tokyo trials where war criminals were convicted. Highlighted the significance of unconditional surrender in removing fanaticism from Japanese society.
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Commemorated the battles of Kohima and Imphal, which were the greatest defeats for the Japanese army, praising the diversity within the 14th Army and its contribution to defeating Japan.
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Paid tribute to British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought in Asia and the Pacific, mentioning two local veterans. Stressed the global nature of the conflict and praised the resilience of POWs. Highlighted UK-Japan reconciliation exemplified by their partnership in developing next-generation fighter jets.
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Called for recognition of diverse groups such as Nepalese and Gurkha communities from Berkshire who contributed to the war effort.
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Emphasised that remembrance must inspire action, not just be symbolic. Highlighted ongoing conflicts around the world as urgent reminders of peace's fragility. Recognised current servicemen and women for their roles in keeping the country safe.
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Marked Victory over Japan Day, honouring veterans from various regions and backgrounds who fought under harsh conditions. Emphasised the need to recognise the diverse contributions of Commonwealth forces in the Pacific theatre. Called for better support for current and former service personnel through fair housing, mental health support, and improved recording of veteran outcomes.
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Honoured the Border Regiment’s role in the victory over Japan, focusing on individual acts of bravery such as Private Joseph Arnold. Recounted her uncle's service aboard Lord Mountbatten’s plane and paid tribute to Carlisle’s local regiment.
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Shared the story of his constituent Margaret Barbour’s father, Sergeant Major Jock Wylie, who was a prisoner in Japanese camps for three years. Described horrific conditions including forced labour, starvation, beatings, and humiliation.
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Honoured his grandfather who served in the war, and emphasised the contributions of Commonwealth soldiers. He highlighted the opening of a Tri Service and Veterans support centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme and mentioned Reginald Mitchell's Spitfire contribution to defending Australia.
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Honoured veterans from his constituency, especially those in the RAF’s photographic reconnaissance unit. Highlighted a story of a veteran who died shortly after VE Day and another whose long reconnaissance mission was thought to be the longest during the war.
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Shared stories about Major Paul Robinson, an Ilkeston prisoner of war, and Donald Rose, a veteran who fought in North Africa and Normandy. Emphasised how these individuals demonstrated courage and resilience.
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Began with Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s announcement on 8 May 1945 regarding the end of the war in Europe. Reminiscent of community gatherings to celebrate peace after years of conflict.
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The opening speech focused on the contributions and sacrifices of British, Commonwealth, and allied forces in Asia during World War II. It highlighted the challenges faced by troops fighting in various climatic conditions and the plight of prisoners of war. The speaker emphasised the importance of remembering the sacrifice and conflict in Asia alongside VJ Day commemorations.
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Turner paid tribute to his constituent Ken Tinkler, a Royal Navy seaman present at the signing of Japan's surrender. He highlighted the work being done in Birmingham to preserve the memory of British and Commonwealth prisoners of war from the far east and shared a poignant message from the secretary of the Birmingham Association of Far East Prisoners of War.
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Thomas spoke about Japan's wartime atrocities, including experiments by Unit 731 on prisoners. He contrasted modern-day Japan with its past and called for a societal reckoning to openly recognise the war's impact.
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Martin highlighted Portsmouth's significant role in the Pacific campaign, including contributions from naval bases, shipyards, and local communities. She emphasised the profound human cost of victory and paid tribute to veterans and serving personnel.
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Rosindell honoured British, Indian, and Commonwealth soldiers who volunteered for service in Asia during World War II. He specifically mentioned the South West Essex Burma Star Association and their commitment to remembering those who served.
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Agrees with Mark Francois on General Bill Slim's greatness and salutes his honour. Emphasises that the service of soldiers in the Pacific theatre brought victory home.
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Honours servicemen who lost their lives or were taken prisoner during World War II, particularly highlighting Harold Rhodes' story. Stresses the importance of preventing fascism and recognising long-term trauma faced by veterans.
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Intervenes to honour the grandfather with a Burma Star who suffered from war-related trauma for life, emphasising that such recognition is essential.
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Highlights the importance of preserving veterans' memories and emphasises the often overlooked Pacific front in World War II. Honours his great-great-grandfather Benjamin Ford who died fighting in Mesopotamia.
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Pays tribute to servicemen, especially those taken prisoner and subjected to forced labour during the far east campaign. Highlights the contribution of Gurkhas, mentioning Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung VC's courage.
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Intervenes to express appreciation for Alex Baker's speech and acknowledges the contributions of Gurkhas in his constituency.
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The hon. Member for Romford acknowledged the contributions of Northern Ireland in the far east war and expressed gratitude towards my right hon. Friend David Mundell for bringing forward this debate. He also mentioned specific battles such as Kohima, highlighting their significance and noting the importance of commemorating VJ Day by honouring all those who served.
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The hon. Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch raised a point about how many veterans relived their traumatic experiences later in life, particularly as they succumbed to dementia.
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The Minister for the Armed Forces closed the debate by emphasising the importance of remembering all those who served in the Pacific theatre during World War II. He highlighted resources available for schools to help them educate young people about these sacrifices and mentioned that VJ Day commemorations will honour British and Commonwealth heroes.
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The hon. Member for Bournemouth West paid tribute to Lance Sergeant Frank Jeremy Hedges, who served in the 135th Field Regiment and was captured during the fall of Singapore. She expressed hope that VJ Day celebrations will give such men and women and their families the honour they deserve.
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The hon. Member for Blackpool South suggested encouraging schools to mark VJ Day when term resumes, so young people can remember the sacrifices made by veterans and armed forces personnel.
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The hon. Member for Rugby agreed that VJ Day commemorations should be a beacon of hope in today's troubled world, acknowledging Japan as an ally now defending the values of civilisation alongside our forces.
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Emphasised the sacrifice of Royal Navy sailors and the importance of preserving war graves in the Pacific. Mentioned specific ships such as HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Electra, and HMS Exeter.
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Spoke about his grandfather who served in the Commonwealth forces and highlighted the importance of remembering family members' contributions during World War II.
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Discussed the significance of everyday people becoming involved in extraordinary events due to war, emphasising the human stories behind historical conflicts.
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Joined others in recognising family members who served during World War II and emphasised telling their individual stories.
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Highlighted the impact of war on ordinary people and how they performed extraordinary deeds, advocating for these narratives to be preserved.
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Spoke powerfully about Donald Rose's story, emphasising the importance of remembering individual soldiers' sacrifices.
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Discussed his family member who fought in Burma and highlighted the need to remember such personal histories.
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Put Ken Tinkler on record, recognising a soldier's contribution to the war effort.
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Addressed stories of evil and the prosecution of war crimes, emphasising historical justice.
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Stressed the significant contribution made by individuals from his constituency during World War II.
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Discussed Harold Rhodes' story, particularly in relation to the death railway, emphasising the importance of remembering such narratives as we approach VJ Day.
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Honoured her grandfather who was awarded the Burma Star, highlighting personal connections to historical events.
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Encouraged people to choose a name on war memorials and find out their stories, stressing the importance of remembering individuals' contributions.
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Spoke about the Gurkhas and Frank Mole, a prisoner of war, emphasising the diverse contributions to the war effort.