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Korean War: 75th Commemoration
22 October 2025
Lead MP
Iain Duncan Smith
Chingford and Woodford Green
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Elmore
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Word Count: 12178
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about korean war: 75th commemoration in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for ensuring that the sacrifice of those who fought in the Korean War is honoured and remembered by generations to come. It also highlights the need to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan, India, the United States and other democratic allies to ensure prosperity and freedoms are not undermined by authoritarian states.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Over 81,000 British servicemen fought in the Korean war, providing the second largest military contribution to the United Nations Command after the United States. Over 1,100 of them never came home, which is more than the total British losses in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands combined. The battle of the Imjin river saw 652 men from the Gloucestershire Regiment face three Chinese divisions, with only 67 walking away after the battle ended.
Alex McIntyre
Lab
Gloucester
Honoured the contribution of the Gloucestershire Regiment, known as Glorious Glosters, during the Korean War battle of the Imjin river.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Joined in paying tribute to journalists who reported on the Korean War and highlighted the work of the BBC World Service.
Ed Davey
LD
Kingston and Surbiton
Asked about measures needed to support South Korea's security and acknowledged the importance of the debate in recognising global threats. The hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton outlined the importance of the relationship between South Korea and the UK, praising the sacrifices made by British servicemen to defend freedom and democracy during the Korean war. He highlighted the strategic importance of the economy, defence, security, and culture relationships with South Korea.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Paid tribute to the tens of thousands of British veterans who served in the Korean war, ensuring the survival of a free and democratic South Korea. He highlighted the diminishing number of living veterans due to age and mentioned the importance of remembering those like Mr W. J. Yeo from Mortehoe.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Honoured British soldiers who fought in the Korean War, highlighting the scars left by the conflict and the current state of North Korea. He also mentioned the plight of Christians in North Korea and urged for international security to protect human rights.
Highlighted that the Glorious Glosters were awarded a US Presidential Unit Citation, rarely given to non-American units.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Paid tribute to South Koreans for their acknowledgment of British veterans' sacrifice during the Korean War.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Paid tribute to the courage of British forces who fought in the Korean War, especially Private David Hamson from his constituency.
Seema Malhotra
Lab
Feltham and Heston
Would have responded to the debate but is currently travelling on ministerial duties; commits to responding in writing if any points are missed.
North Cotswolds
Highlighted that in North Korea, if someone is caught committing minor crimes like listening to a memory stick from the west, it is not only they but their entire family who are imprisoned, often leading to a slow death sentence. Paid tribute to the Gloucestershire Regiment's bravery during the battle of Imjin river and highlighted their role in preventing North Korean forces from capturing Seoul.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Sir Iain Duncan Smith) emphasised the need to support President Lee Jae Myung in his efforts to keep peace on the Korean peninsula through strength and diplomacy, highlighting the geopolitical threat that China represents. Pays tribute to the right hon. and gallant Member for Chingford and Woodford Green, acknowledging his work on North Korea and expressing hope for Lord Alton's recovery. Honoured the memory of British troops who fought for Korean freedom and discussed the concept of sacrificing for a greater cause.
Slough
The hon. Member for Slough emphasised the importance of commemorating the contribution of British service personnel while ensuring that the UK remains a beacon of security and stability internationally and strengthens its alliance with South Korean partners.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Welcomed the Minister to his new position, congratulated Sir Iain Duncan Smith for securing this debate and commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Korean war. Highlighted the contributions of British service personnel and acknowledged the significant sacrifice made by Commonwealth countries.
Government Response
Chris Elmore
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Pays tribute to Members who have spoken in the debate, committing to respond in writing if any points are missed. Acknowledges the sacrifice of British troops who fought in the Korean war, highlighting that more than 80,000 crossed seas and over 1,000 never returned. Mentions ongoing work by the Ministry of Defence to identify remains and repatriate soldiers where possible. Commits to peace and prosperity across the Korean peninsula, stopping nuclear proliferation and supporting a secure future for the Indo-Pacific.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.