Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Lisbon Maru Memorial 2025-09-01

01 September 2025 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Kirsteen Sullivan Lab/Co-op Bathgate and Linlithgow

DefenceForeign AffairsVeterans

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

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.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the tragic fate of the Lisbon Maru and the bravery of Chinese fishermen who rescued survivors.
  • A constituent's effort to share the story of family members' survival on the Lisbon Maru highlights the importance of honouring history.
  • Proposed memorial in Scotland to educate about the bravery and horrors experienced during World War II.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Kirsteen Sullivan Lab/Co-op Bathgate and Linlithgow

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.

Other contributors (3)
  • 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

Kirsty McNeill

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).

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