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Remembrance, UK Armed Forces and Society
11 November 2020
Lead MP
James Heappey
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
DefenceEconomyNorthern IrelandForeign AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
James Heappey raised concerns about remembrance, uk armed forces and society in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
It is a real honour for me to open the debate not only as the Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence but as someone who has served on four operational tours to Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland. I hope that, at the end of my remarks, the House will indulge me in giving some personal reflections on the meaning of remembrance. Before that, I want to draw your attention, Madam Deputy Speaker, to the call list for the debate, which would make for a formidable half-company, should the nation ever call for us. The number of colleagues in the House who have served underlines the affinity between this place and our nation’s armed forces. A Defence Minister can often reflect on how the partisan hullabaloo of other areas of policy rarely encroaches on how we debate defence in this place. I know, as someone who served in at least two operational theatres that caused some political disagreement, that it really matters that this place not only robustly debates how and where we use our armed forces but does so always in a tone that makes those doing this place’s bidding in dangerous and dusty places realise that everybody in this House has the interests of our armed forces at heart, even when we disagree on how best to use them. I therefore look forward to another characteristically respectful and constructive debate.
James Heappey
Con
Wells
This year, marking 75 years since the end of the second world war, has been a great opportunity for us to reflect not only on victory in Europe but on victory in Japan. That Pacific campaign is so often the one that is spoken about less, yet the acts of heroism and derring-do were no less important. Indeed, in many of the stories I have heard, the deprivation was far greater because of the environment in which the forces were operating. Since then, brave servicemen and women from the United Kingdom have given their lives in Korea, the Falklands, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is on those last two conflicts that I have my own personal reflections.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The Minister refers to what happened in Afghanistan—the letters and things that went there. Seven years ago, I had the opportunity to represent my party in Afghanistan in meeting the Royal Irish Regiment. I knew their love of Tayto potato crisps, so I took lots of them with me and gave them out to the soldiers, both male and female, who were there. That brought them close to home, and that is really important whenever they are in Afghanistan serving their Queen and country.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
The Minister talks about years of service. I wonder whether he would commend and congratulate my constituent, Mrs Barbara McGregor, who is due to retire in January next year after 44 years of service in the Royal Navy to Queen and country. Mrs McGregor is taking part in Armistice services this week, and she was meant to be leading the parade march in the Bridgend county borough this weekend but was not able to. Would the Minister commend her and congratulate her on her service, and on the fact that she has put everything—Queen and country—as a sole focus of her entire service in the Navy?
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
I pay tribute to the Minister for his service in the armed forces. Remembrance Day honours not just those lost in world wars but also the 7,190 UK service personnel who have died since 1945. This year's remembrance has a special poignancy due to marking significant anniversaries and adapting to private commemorations during the pandemic. The Chief of Defence Staff noted an unprecedented low level of understanding about our armed forces; research shows 68% of people do not know what military personnel do in non-combat situations. We must reinforce societal commitment to armed forces as veteran numbers are set to fall by a third this decade. There is room for improvement in cadets, reservists, and national resilience. The Government should take steps to strengthen the Office for Veterans' Affairs and enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant in law. Despite our pride in military personnel, there have been declines since 2010 with 40,000 fewer full-time forces members and a £13 billion black hole in the defence budget.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Newton Abbot
Mr Ellwood emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting Britain's armed forces, both for past contributions and future challenges. He highlighted that despite shrinking military numbers, it is crucial to educate the public on the value of our forces compared to other countries. He noted the under-utilisation of military assets during the pandemic and stressed the need for an integrated review to determine strategic direction and resource allocation. Furthermore, he pointed out that service charities are facing financial difficulties and urged the Government to address this issue to avoid breaching the armed forces covenant. Lastly, he called for investment in future defence capabilities and a return to global leadership.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Mr Kruger intervened to pay tribute to British Army units based in his constituency on Salisbury Plain. He welcomed the idea of organising a 'welcome home' parade for soldiers who have contributed during the pandemic crisis, paralleling the tradition for those deployed overseas.
David Linden
SNP
Glasgow East
It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Bournemouth East, and it is an honour to speak in today’s debate on behalf of the Scottish National party. We place our grateful thanks to all service personnel for their commitment to defending these islands. David Linden marked Remembrance Sunday in his constituency where he saw graves of soldiers from world wars 1 and 2. He reiterated the selflessness, heroism, and personal sacrifices endured by millions during and since world war one. While remembering the past, we must also consider what support we provide for our service personnel and veterans who face challenges like mental health and homelessness. David Linden highlighted that 6% of all ex-military personnel suffer from PTSD and mentioned that Combat Stress found that service personnel were waiting until their 60s to receive help for alcohol and substance abuse. He is proud of the work done by the SNP-led Scottish Government, including the appointment of the Scottish Veterans Commissioner and the establishment of the Scottish Veterans Fund. He believes every possible support should be available to veterans both in service and upon returning to civilian life.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Commends David Linden's comments, highlighting the importance of providing homes for veterans once they have finished their service. Matt Rodda encouraged local authorities to prioritise council housing for veterans as Reading Borough Council has done.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Describes acts of bravery and sacrifice from World War II, including HMS Rawalpindi in November 1939, HMS Jervis Bay in November 1940, HMS Bulldog in May 1941, six Swordfish biplanes taking on the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in February 1942, midget submarines attacking the German battleship Tirpitz in September 1943, airborne assault at Arnhem in September 1944, Operation Meridian against Japanese oil refineries in January 1945. Emphasises the importance of remembering these events to inspire future generations.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Speaks as a commissioner of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, discussing its work commemorating 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women from World Wars I and II. Mentions the commission’s care for graves and memorials at 23,000 locations in over 150 countries, with a workforce of 1,300 gardeners maintaining nearly 1,000 football pitches worth of sites. Highlights restoration projects like Runnymede's Air Forces memorial and encourages public visits to commission sites.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
The hon. member paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives during the first world war, particularly focusing on the Ulster Division's tragic losses at the Battle of the Somme. She also commended the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in maintaining cemeteries worldwide and highlighted the sacrifices made by service personnel in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
The hon. member intervened to highlight the significance of the debate, noting that support for it originated from a petition with strong backing from Northern Irish constituencies, emphasising the profound respect and appreciation in those areas for service personnel.
Reflecting on the history of his constituency's involvement in military efforts, including world war one and more recent operations like Op Rescript, the hon. member emphasised the importance of recognising the ongoing sacrifices made by current service personnel during challenging times and highlighted the crucial role played by local bases such as Chetwynd barracks.
Jessica Morden
Lab
Newport East
It is a privilege to honour the men and women who have served our country in defence of freedoms. Jessica Morden pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives, particularly highlighting the merchant navy's significant role in both world wars. She mentions specific sacrifices like Raymond Steed from Newport who died at age 14 during World War II. The Newport Veterans and Royal British Legion are acknowledged for supporting veterans. Additionally, she emphasises the psychological trauma faced by merchant navy veterans due to their hazardous experiences and calls for further research on PTSD among them.
John Redwood underscores the importance of patriotism and remembrance in honouring those who fought and died during world wars. He advocates for a peaceful approach through dialogue, democratic processes, and self-determination to prevent future conflicts. He also stresses the need for a strong defence to maintain peace.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Edward Davey acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by those who lived through World War I and II and emphasised the need to remember their contributions. He drew a comparison between the collective effort required during wartime and the current pandemic, highlighting the courage of frontline workers such as hospital staff and careworkers in care homes, and scientists working on vaccines.
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Mr. Bowie discussed the importance of remembering those who served in World War I, II, and more recent conflicts such as Afghanistan. He highlighted personal experiences including visiting the Cenotaph with remaining World War I veterans and witnessing tributes at Loos Cemetery in northern France. He also mentioned his great-uncle Samuel Coyle who died at Gallipoli during World War I. Mr. Bowie emphasised that while attention often focuses on earlier wars, it is crucial to remember more recent sacrifices made by British troops. He stressed the impact of modern defence cuts and reorganizations on local communities' connections with military units.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
The hon. Member highlights the importance of remembrance not just for the First and Second World Wars but also for more recent conflicts, including a mention of the Falkland Islands where he has visited several times to pay respects at cemeteries like San Carlos. He also reflects on current servicemen and women who are preserving our way of life in an uncertain world.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The hon. Member congratulates the Falkland Islands for completing mine removal efforts nearly 40 years after the conflict, highlighting a positive development in commemorating those who lost their lives during that time.
The hon. Member acknowledges the progress made in military gender equality and recognises the challenges faced by women in the armed forces including discrimination, harassment, and bullying. She proposes running a Sub-Committee to address these issues and champion total equality for women serving and veterans.
Matt Western
Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Paying tribute to the armed forces for their service, sacrifice, conflicts fought, civil work done in Sierra Leone and elsewhere during the Ebola crisis. Highlighting the importance of Remembrance Sunday and honouring local veterans like Len, Stuart or Paul from Warwick and Leamington. Mentioned the significant impact of the Great War and World War II on communities, with a focus on specific individuals such as Henry Tandey and the Tim brothers. Also thanked organisations such as the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, and local charities for their work.
Acknowledging Armistice Day by highlighting the significance of commemorating veterans and those who served in various conflicts. He emphasised the importance of legislation like the Desecration of War Memorials Bill and the Armed Forces Covenant, calling for an end to visa fees for Commonwealth soldiers serving in Britain.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Honouring remembrance by recounting personal family history impacted by World War I and sharing her experience as an aid worker during the Bosnian war. Paid tribute to current military personnel's dedication in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted local contributions like Southfields Royal Marine Reserve unit.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member for Strangford shared personal memories as a former Ulster Defence Regiment soldier and highlighted the impact of this year's Remembrance Sunday due to pandemic restrictions. He noted that 12.5% of Northern Ireland's population has served in the armed forces, calling on the Government to ensure equal recognition and support for veterans.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
The hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley emphasised the role of armed forces in logistical challenges such as mass testing during the pandemic and discussed local initiatives supporting veterans, like the armed forces breakfast club in Keighley.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Pays tribute to the Coldstream Guards and their historical significance. Discusses local war memorials in his constituency and urges people to remember sacrifices made by soldiers for our freedoms.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Honours contributions of Shropshire residents to the armed forces, including those stationed at MOD Donnington and RAF Cosford. Highlights the work done during the pandemic by defence personnel.
Reflects on personal experiences with military families in her past life as a teacher and highlights the importance of supporting these families. Mentions local charity Blue Van that supports veterans.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Carshalton and Wallington
The armed forces covenant states that priority treatment should be given to veterans. The NHS updated its constitution in 2015 to reflect this responsibility, with NHS expenditure on veterans’ mental health nearly doubling in the last four years alone. In December 2018, an extra £10 million was announced for a dedicated crisis service for veterans and the roll-out of veteran-friendly GP surgeries and hospitals. The Government has also allocated an additional £10 million to support projects that aid veterans' mental health.
Chris Evans
Lab Co-op
Caerphilly
Honoured the contributions made by Members during Remembrance Day and highlighted the importance of showing appreciation for armed forces personnel. Emphasised the need to support veterans, reserves, cadets, their families, and employers through commitments in words and deeds. Mentioned a petition with over 67,000 signatures advocating for statutory requirements for services such as housing and mental health support for veterans. Raised concerns about the impact of Covid on fundraising for military charities and called for increased funding to fill revenue gaps. Highlighted the role of armed forces in the Liverpool covid test pilot and requested an update on the number of reservists deployed during the pandemic.
Johnny Mercer
Con
Plymouth Moorview
Mercer thanked the hon. Member for Islwyn for his contribution and noted that it has been an encouraging debate about remembrance, war, and veterans' support. He highlighted the importance of remembering personal stories behind the wars, noting the unique challenges this year due to self-isolation measures. Mercer paid tribute to the Royal British Legion's commitment over the years and acknowledged the need for a blend between statutory provisions and charity efforts to support service personnel and veterans. He confirmed that the Government will bring forward an armed forces Bill next year to further enshrine the armed forces covenant into law, addressing issues like mental health support and family support for military members.
Nigel Evans
Con
Rhondda
Evans concluded the debate by emphasising the importance of remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of veterans. He stated that without their contributions, democracy could easily have been extinguished, underscoring the ongoing need to support those who serve.
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