House of Commons · Westminster Hall
24 June 2025 · 14 other contributors · 9,342 words
Opened by Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Responding minister: Maria Eagle
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Melanie Ward raised concerns about war memorials in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The lead MP asks the Minister to join her in commending the efforts of the Royal British Legion Scotland and other volunteers who have worked tirelessly to maintain and commemorate war memorials like those in Kirkcaldy.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
This debate aims to pay tribute to the maintenance of Kirkcaldy’s war memorial, galleries and gardens over a century. It also highlights the importance of war memorials across Britain as symbols of remembrance, egalitarianism and respect for those who have lost their lives in conflict. The memorial in Kirkcaldy specifically remembers more than 1,500 individuals, including Sergeant Sean Binnie who died while serving with the Black Watch in Afghanistan.
Praised Portsmouth's naval heritage through various memorials, emphasizing their educational role for young people and the need for proper maintenance by local authorities.
Paid tribute to the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and mentioned Brookwood military cemetery in his constituency.
Emphasized the importance of war memorials as a reminder of sacrifice and values like peace and service, noting their significance across generations.
Discussed the poignancy of war memorials and their significance for local communities, highlighting specific memorials in Thurrock.
Discusses the history of memorials in Newtownards, including the erection of a temporary plywood cenotaph and its subsequent replacement with a permanent one. Stresses the importance of community remembrance and education.
Talked about the Western Necropolis in Glasgow North, emphasizing the care and preservation of Commonwealth war graves for memory and remembrance.
Remarks on a recent theft of a granite memorial in his constituency and condemns such acts as desecration. Emphasises the importance of education to prevent future incidents.
Congratulated the hon. Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy on securing the debate during Armed Forces Week.
Discussed the importance of war memorials, including personal stories and community significance. Highlighted a memorial dedicated to Terence McCourt in her constituency. Noted a local school making sure that a lost memorial is remembered, highlighting educational value in remembering war stories.
Highlights the importance of continuing to invest in war memorials and ensuring that young people understand the history and sacrifices of previous generations through projects like the unveiling of a peace podium in her constituency.
Discussed the vast variety of war memorials in South Derbyshire and highlighted specific examples from various villages.
Stressed the importance of war memorials as living symbols that link past to present, acknowledged incomplete recognition of black and Asian soldiers' contributions.
Agreed with Shockat Adam's point about local communities funding and maintaining war memorials. Emphasised the importance of memorials to people who have no known grave but the sea, mentioning Royal Naval and merchant seamen memorials.
Emphasizes that war memorials are not just sites for quiet reflection but also educational spaces to learn and share knowledge with residents, ensuring we never forget the sacrifices made.
Government Response
Maria EagleThe Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
Congratulated Melanie Ward on securing the debate, highlighted the importance of war memorials during armed forces week, and acknowledged the sacrifices made by men and women in the armed forces. Acknowledged the importance of memorials to those without known graves, mentioned the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and highlighted that funding comes from public individuals and organisations. Congratulated the MP on her memorial's commemorations.