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War Memorials
24 June 2025
Lead MP
Melanie Ward
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Lab
Responding Minister
Maria Eagle
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Word Count: 9342
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Melanie Ward raised concerns about war memorials in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Praised Portsmouth's naval heritage through various memorials, emphasizing their educational role for young people and the need for proper maintenance by local authorities.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Paid tribute to the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and mentioned Brookwood military cemetery in his constituency.
Epsom and Ewell
Emphasized the importance of war memorials as a reminder of sacrifice and values like peace and service, noting their significance across generations.
Jen Craft
Lab
Thurrock
Discussed the poignancy of war memorials and their significance for local communities, highlighting specific memorials in Thurrock.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Talked about the Western Necropolis in Glasgow North, emphasizing the care and preservation of Commonwealth war graves for memory and remembrance.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
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.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Congratulated the hon. Member for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy on securing the debate during Armed Forces Week.
Glasgow West
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.
Rachel Taylor
Lab
North Warwickshire and Bedworth
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.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Discussed the vast variety of war memorials in South Derbyshire and highlighted specific examples from various villages.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Stressed the importance of war memorials as living symbols that link past to present, acknowledged incomplete recognition of black and Asian soldiers' contributions.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
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.
Sonia Kumar
Lab
Dudley
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 Eagle
The Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
Government Response
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.
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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.