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Backbench Business
05 March 2026
Lead MP
Jas Athwal
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Jas Athwal raised concerns about backbench business 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
The debate highlights the significant but often overlooked contributions of Commonwealth troops during the First World War, including soldiers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The speaker emphasises that these soldiers, despite their diverse backgrounds and origins, answered the call to duty and fought alongside British troops across various theatres of war. The speech includes statistics such as over 1.3 million soldiers from the Indian subcontinent serving in the war, with more than 74,000 killed, and over 620,000 Canadians and 416,000 Australians enlisting. The speaker also references the recognition of these soldiers' sacrifices through efforts by institutions like the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the importance of acknowledging this history in schools and public discourse.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
The hon. Member congratulates the lead MP on securing the debate and expresses appreciation for the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in conserving historical sites. He also pays tribute to volunteers who preserve these sites, ensuring that the service and sacrifice of troops from across the Commonwealth are remembered and honoured for future generations.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Congratulates Jas Athwal on securing the debate; highlights the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, emphasising its commitment to commemorate all those who served in the first and second world wars. Mentions that the commission has sites in 23,000 locations across 153 countries and territories. Emphasises the importance of remembering the contributions of Commonwealth troops in perpetuity.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Congratulates Jas Athwal on securing the debate; speaks about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, focusing on the contribution of Commonwealth troops in the south-west of England. Provides examples of specific individuals and families who contributed, such as Ernest John Quest, James Wilson, Charles Allen, and the Tucker family.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Congratulates Jas Athwal on securing the debate; highlights the significant contribution of Commonwealth troops, particularly Muslim soldiers, in the first and second world wars. Emphasises the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Muslim soldiers and women, such as Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, and the need to recognise their role in defending the freedoms and democratic values of the country.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Mentions that she talks about the work of Noor Inayat Khan to her daughter, ensuring her legacy will not be forgotten.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
We live in polarising times where debates are often about what divides us rather than what unites us. The debate initiated by the hon. Member for Ilford South provides an important opportunity to recognise the contributions of Commonwealth soldiers. Over 1.3 million soldiers from British India served in WWI, including over 400,000 Muslims. The sacrifices of these soldiers should be remembered and celebrated. The bravery of individuals like Khudadad Khan and Walter Tull, and the untold stories of soldiers like Lionel Turpin, must be highlighted as part of our national history. We must commit to telling the full story of the first world war and honouring the sacrifices of all soldiers, regardless of race or creed.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
World war one was a result of hyper-nationalism and militarism, leading to the sacrifice of millions of working-class soldiers from Commonwealth nations. Today, we are seeing a similar trend with increased military spending. History shows that such militarism and nationalism often lead to war and destruction, with the working class bearing the brunt of the cost. The post-war consensus of avoiding war at all costs seems to have been largely forgotten, leading to a path that could result in more conflicts and suffering.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
The debate recognises the contribution of Commonwealth soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. In Glasgow North, there are memorials and war graves commemorating soldiers from various Commonwealth nations. The Colourful Heritage charity has been working to promote the contributions of British Indian Army soldiers, including the establishment of Scotland’s first permanent memorial to the British Indian Army in Kelvingrove. The memorial reflects the diversity of those who served, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. It is crucial to remember our shared past to build a shared future.
Monica Harding
Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Monica Harding emphasises the decisive role of Commonwealth soldiers in the First World War, highlighting the contributions of soldiers from India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Africa. She cites the example of Khudadad Khan, who received the Victoria Cross, and discusses the sacrifices made by soldiers from these regions, including the bravery of Canadian airmen, the resilience of Australian troops at Gallipoli, and the logistical support provided by African soldiers. Harding argues that these contributions should be fully recognised and integrated into national commemorations and taught in schools to reflect the true nature of the war effort.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Rebecca Smith acknowledges the significant contribution of the Chinese Labour Corps, which consisted of 140,000 members who came over from 1916 to provide crucial support on the front, thereby freeing up soldiers for combat roles.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Mark Francois pays tribute to the contributions of Commonwealth troops, mentioning the Indian Army, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and South African regiments. He emphasises the importance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the principle of combined operations in achieving significant victories during the war.
Alistair Carns
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Alistair Carns indicates assent to a point raised by Rebecca Smith about the importance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's work in commemorating African labourers.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Rebecca Smith emphasises the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to commemorate African labourers, highlighting the recent opening of a memorial in Cape Town and upcoming memorials in Kenya and Sierra Leone.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Nusrat Ghani follows up on the contributions of speakers, implicitly acknowledging the previous comments on the importance of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's work.
Alistair Carns
Lab
Birmingham Selly Oak
Acknowledged the pivotal role of Commonwealth forces in the First World War and their contributions in various theatres of conflict. Noted the sacrifice of over a million Commonwealth soldiers and the importance of continuing to educate about their legacy. Emphasised the unity and common cause demonstrated by soldiers from different backgrounds.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Highlighted the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in commemorating casualties across the globe. Acknowledged the importance of honouring the sacrifice of Commonwealth soldiers and the need for continued education and remembrance.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Shared a remarkable story about a wireless operator from Commonwealth forces who played a crucial role in covert operations during the First World War. Emphasised the diverse contributions of Commonwealth soldiers and the importance of remembering their sacrifices.
Shockat Adam
Lab
Leicester South
Stressed the interconnectedness of British and Commonwealth histories and the importance of educating the youth about shared sacrifices and common values such as democracy, the rule of law, and equal rights.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Discussed the difficulty of talking about war and the importance of deterrence to avoid conflict. Emphasised the unity and shared sacrifice of Commonwealth forces during the First World War.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Emphasised the importance of education and communication to build unity and remove division. Highlighted the need for unity, hope, and ambition to drive the country forward.
Monica Harding
Con
Esher and Walton
Acknowledged the significant contributions of Commonwealth forces during the First World War and the need to remember and honour their sacrifices through education and commemoration.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
Discussed the role of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in maintaining graves and educating children and young people about the contributions of Commonwealth soldiers.
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