← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit
17 July 2025
Lead MP
Julie Minns
Carlisle
Lab
Responding Minister
Al Carns
Tags
Defence
Word Count: 12352
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Julie Minns raised concerns about raf photographic reconnaissance unit in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The project seeks recognition for the work carried out by members of the RAF reconnaissance units during WWII and to highlight how the government might further support this campaign.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The project to recognise members of the Royal Air Force has taken over six years to locate and access official records, identifying 1,747 names eligible for inclusion on a national monument. 629 of these men were casualties representing 45% of those found, with a third still missing in action.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
Paid tribute to James Hares, a constituent who served in the PRU and died during WWII. Paid tribute to individuals who served their country with distinction.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
The PRU missions were among the most dangerous, with a death rate of 50%. The pilots flew solo in enemy airspace, unarmed and unmarked, without recognition or fanfare. David mentioned the importance of honouring those whose bravery was not publicly recognised. Brought to life stories of people who served in the PRU from his constituency.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Two names from Ealing Southall are on the list of those recognised, including Warrant Officer Mervyn Harris and Sergeant Frank Bastard. Both lost their lives or were missing in action. Shared contributions to recognizing bravery of individuals who served in the PRU.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Pays tribute to local hero Flight Sergeant William Douglas Stepford and highlights the critical role of RAF photographic reconnaissance units in D-day planning, noting a nearly 50% death rate among pilots and navigators.
Epsom and Ewell
Supports recognition of RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit for its crucial role in WWII intelligence gathering. Notes the heavy sacrifice with 628 aircrew killed, nearly a third missing today. Provided contributions highlighting service of individuals from her constituency.
James Asser
Lab
West Ham and Beckton
Thanks the Spitfire AA810 project for highlighting the work of PRU. Mentions six reconnaissance pilots from West Ham who served in PRU, putting their names on record. Honored those from his constituency serving in the RAF unarmed reconnaissance units during WWII.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised the importance of recognising the Commonwealth’s role in the PRU, including contributions from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland. Contributed to the debate with tributes and remembrances.
Lizzi Collinge
Lab
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Honoured two members of the unit from her constituency who made significant contributions, one killed in action while on a mission over Malta and another surviving to live long lives.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Highlighted the importance of remembering the contribution of the RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Unit during WWII. Contributed tributes and stories about those from his constituency in the RAF unarmed reconnaissance units.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Highlights the bravery and sacrifice of PRU pilots, emphasizing the need for a national memorial to remember their contributions.
Esther McVey
Con
Wirral West
Supports the recognition of PRU pilots and mentions the important work done by women in analyzing intelligence gathered during wartime.
Lizzi Collinge
Con
Morecambe and Lunesdale
Contributed tributes to those who served in the RAF unarmed reconnaissance units.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Paid tribute to Flight Officer James Downie and other members of the PRU, highlighting their bravery and sacrifices. Provided comments about the people from her constituency who served bravely.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
Honoured Douglas Adcock, a local resident who served in the PRU and died on duty, supporting the Spitfire AA810 project for a national memorial. Shared stories of individuals who served their country during WWII.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Flight Sergeant Peter Charles Wells from Bishop Auckland was shot down over Malta and did not survive. His grave is inscribed with a psalm verse, emphasizing the need to honour these individuals. Made comments about those from his constituency serving in RAF unarmed reconnaissance units.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Paid tribute to Flying Officer Eugene Cotton, a local hero from Rushall who flew dangerous reconnaissance missions over Japanese-held territory but did not return. His parents were active in the community.
Government Response
Al Carns
The Minister for Veterans and People
Government Response
Acknowledging the importance of recognising the role of the RAF photographic reconnaissance unit in world war two, Al Carns highlights the current geopolitical situation and its fragility. He stresses the need to reconnect people with defence through the stories of the PRU and other units. The minister corrects a previous statement about veterans present in the room and emphasises the remarkable achievements of those men and women who fought for our freedoms. Supports the campaign for a national memorial dedicated to PRU personnel outside the Churchill War Rooms in Westminster. While official funding cannot be provided, personal support is given and efforts will be made to expedite the memorial's construction through communication with relevant departments.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.