Jim Cunningham acknowledges the broader context of World War I, mentioning other battles such as Loos where his grandfather was badly wounded. He underscores the importance of remembering all those who lost their lives in the war.

Murrison responds positively to Cunningham, acknowledging the commemorative efforts over the past two years and emphasising the need for unity both within Europe and Britain. He highlights the significance of sharing history across communities in Northern Ireland, where reconciliation is evident through shared commemorations.

Julian Knight commends Murrison's speech and supports the increased respect shown to armed forces, particularly highlighting the importance of the armed forces covenant. He notes that the country is coming together more than ever to honour servicemen and women.

Murrison agrees with Knight, emphasising the power of bringing today's service personnel into commemorations which helps create a bridge between past and present. He also notes the positive impact of shared history in Northern Ireland where communities are coming together to remember the war.

Reflecting on the Battle of the Somme, 21,000 soldiers died and 35,000 were wounded in a single day with two British casualties for every yard of the front. The battle ended with more than one million soldiers killed. Families mourned their loved ones who never came home, and only 40 'thankful parishes' saw all return by 1918. Jarvis acknowledges the bravery and sacrifice of volunteers such as the Barnsley Pals, miners, steelworkers, glassworkers, clerks, stonemasons, and clerics who fought together and often died together. Additionally, he emphasises how women's contributions during the war led to voting rights for women and reshaped British society.

The hon. Gentleman highlighted the Ulster tower replica, mentioning a special event to commemorate sacrifices and commending the Irish peace tower in Mesen as symbolic of three Irish Divisions' sacrifice during World War I. He noted that the 36th Division made significant gains on the first day of the Battle of the Somme but at a huge loss, including over 5,500 casualties within two days. The hon. Gentleman acknowledged four Victoria Cross winners from his division and also commemorated soldiers from the 16th (Irish) Division who fought alongside the Ulstermen. He concluded by emphasising the importance of remembering the sacrifices made for European freedom.

The hon. Gentleman congratulated previous speakers on their speeches and praised his colleague's work in preparing commemorations. He reflected on interviewing first world war veterans and gave context to the Battle of the Somme, noting that it was part of a coordinated allied strategy against German forces at Verdun. The hon. Gentleman detailed challenges faced by British troops, including inadequate artillery support and disagreements over operational plans, leading to heavy casualties. He emphasised the ongoing bravery and determination of soldiers despite these hardships.

Responded by paying tribute to the Australian armed forces that fought at Pozières and mentioned the memorial there. He noted the use of soil from Pozières for the burial of the Australian unknown soldier in Canberra.

Acknowledged Graham Evans' tribute to Australians who fought at Pozières, emphasising that she had already paid tribute to Anzac soldiers earlier. She reiterated the importance of remembering those who fought in previous wars and honouring current military personnel and veterans, stressing the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term care for injured service members.

Provided historical context regarding the Battle of Verdun and its impact on the French. He highlighted General Haig's decision to launch the Somme offensive despite initial hesitation due to pressure from French commander-in-chief Joffre. Bob Stewart detailed the disastrous first day of the battle, noting the high casualty rates among British forces, and shared a personal anecdote about his experience in Northern Ireland, linking it with the Battle of the Somme's impact on communities.

Over the past decades the Battle of the Somme has transitioned from living memory to national history. Scottish volunteers played a significant role, with nearly one-fifth of Britain’s war dead being Scots despite them comprising only one-tenth of the population. The 16th Royal Scots battalion, known as McCrae's battalion, was heavily affected by casualties on the first day, losing 573 soldiers and 12 officers. Other Scottish battalions showed remarkable bravery, like the 16th Highland Light Infantry which held out for eight days despite heavy losses.

It is an honour to follow the speech about Scottish regiments' contribution. The Somme campaign involved a series of related engagements, including one on 30 June in Richebourg sector known as the Boar's Head. Three battalions of the Royal Sussex Regiment suffered heavy casualties while capturing support trenches and displaying terrific heroism. Despite the losses and valour, this battle is often overshadowed by the carnage of the Somme the following day.

Honoured the courage of Ulstermen and women at the Battle of the Somme, highlighting their resistance to home rule and their willingness to fight. He praised the efforts of his right hon. Friend Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson for leading commemorative events and thanked Bob Stewart for his contributions. Shannon detailed the signing of the Ulster covenant by up to half a million people and the formation of the Ulster Volunteers, emphasising the significance of Helen’s Tower in Strangford as a training ground. He noted the bravery displayed at Thiepval Wood and mentioned Rifleman William McFadzean's Victoria Cross award for self-sacrifice.

Intervened to recall an officer rallying troops with the battle cry 'No surrender', adding historical context to Jim Shannon's speech.

Pays tribute to those who died during the Battle of the Somme and acknowledges the impact on communities. Highlights the importance of commemorating events like this centenary to recognise progress in supporting veterans.

Expresses gratitude for colleagues who have contributed to the debate and highlights the bravery of those who served during the Battle of the Somme. Acknowledges the sacrifices made by soldiers from all parts of Ireland, including Ulster and Southern Ireland.

Reiterates that men from Northern and Southern Ireland received more Victoria Crosses than their counterparts in Scotland, England, and Wales, emphasising the incredible bravery of these individuals.

Welcomes the opportunity to participate in the debate about the Battle of the Somme. Highlights the role of his local Pals battalion, known as the Grimsby Chums, which was unique for its camaraderie among recruits from the fishing town of Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Details Kitchener's recruitment campaign and how local dignitaries stepped in to form Pals battalions. Emphasises the patriotism and determination of the men who volunteered and their march through Grimsby and Cleethorpes before heading south for training, eventually departing for France on 4 January 1916. Describes the Battle of La Boisselle where the Chums faced heavy losses due to poor planning but later fought in several major engagements until the war's end in November 1918.

Tributes his hon. Friend and other Members for securing the debate on the Battle of the Somme. Reflects on his personal connection to the battle through family members who served there, including great grandparents and neighbours from south Manchester. Reminisces about visiting the Somme with his girlfriend, now wife. Contextualises the historical significance of the Battle of the Somme as part of a coordinated effort by allies against German forces, questioning whether modern-day politicians would be willing to support allied nations in similar circumstances.

Concurs with Graham Evans's assertion that if called upon today as members of NATO, they would go to the aid of their allies and neighbours who were attacked. Supports the historical context provided regarding the necessity for allied support during World War I.

He highlighted the significance of the Battle of the Somme by discussing local examples from his constituency, such as the Norley wildflower walk and the stories of soldiers like Lance Corporal Samuel Grindlay, Private Arthur Rutter, and Private Edward Parrot. He also spoke about Todger Jones, a Cheshire Regiment soldier who received the Victoria Cross for bravery during World War I. Evans emphasised the personal impact of war on families and communities.

She acknowledged the role of Pals battalions in Portsmouth, which were volunteer units recruited locally and suffered significant losses at the Battle of the Somme. She paid tribute to Bob Beech, Alan Laishley, and others who maintain the memory of the Pompey Pals through a memorial at Fratton Park football ground. Drummond also highlighted the contributions of women in nursing roles during World War I and recounted her visit to her great-uncle's grave, emphasising the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by young men.

Paying tribute to family members and Gloucestershire residents who were involved in the Battle of the Somme, highlighting the significant loss of life and mentioning local commemorations planned for Friday. He emphasised the personal impact of the battle on his own family.

Honouring those from Staffordshire and Ireland who fought in World War I, especially focusing on regiments from southern Ireland that are now a part of history. He also recited a portion of Wilfred Owen’s poem to highlight the tragic reality of war.

The hon. Member thanked the Members for South West Wiltshire and Barnsley Central for bringing the debate, expressed sorrow over the men who lost their lives at the Somme, described the war as terrible and destructive, emphasised the significance of the Battle of the Somme where more British Army troops died on the first day than any other single day in history. She mentioned a commemoration event held near Edinburgh Castle and acknowledged the contributions of Indian regiments, including two that took part in the only cavalry charge during the battle but were forced to retreat due to poor communication. The hon. Member also stressed the bravery and sacrifice of young men who had no chance at life due to trench warfare and described how war was not glorious. She highlighted the work of charities and groups commemorating the Battle, including a knitting project in Glasgow representing soldiers lost during the battle and the significant role played by Scottish battalions.

Congratulates hon. Members on their speeches and pays tribute to those who fought and died on the Somme, mentioning personal stories of family members involved in World War I and II. Emphasises the significance of remembering soldiers from all over the world, including those from Irish communities and south Asia.

Welcomed contributions from across the House, commended the debate on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. Emphasised themes of remembrance, youth, and education in the commemorative programme. Mentioned events such as an all-night vigil at Westminster Abbey and a service at Manchester Cathedral. Highlighted the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the various commemorative activities planned across the UK and France.

Congratulated McCrae’s Battalion Trust for building a cairn in Contalmaison to commemorate Edinburgh men and women killed on 1 July 1916. Acknowledged the importance of local communities coming together to remember those who fought.

The debate was of superlative quality with contributions from 20 right hon. and hon. Members, highlighting the significance of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. Andrew Murrison emphasised that military service remains a fearsome contract in any era. He disagreed with AJP Taylor's view but acknowledged the continued relevance of idealism since 1916. He called for eternal vigilance across European Parliaments and Assemblies as tribute to those who fell.

The Speaker, Lindsay Hoyle, provided information about Chorley’s celebration of the centenary, including events at 10 o'clock tomorrow night and Friday morning. He also mentioned that the 3 Medical Regiment will take the freedom of the town in Chorley, with a dedication of the cenotaph on Saturday.