Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith

Conservative — South West Devon

Speaking in the House of Commons on 12 November 2026

Debate

Battle of the Somme: 110th Anniversary

Contribution

I absolutely agree. I use the GWR train line. I usually put a wreath on the train from Ivybridge—a place I have mentioned several times—but I am grateful to my friends at the Royal British Legion in Ivybridge, who this time laid a wreath while I was here in Westminster. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission works very hard to recognise the role of Sikhs. They have their own headstones to ensure that that is visible to the public. I hope that today’s debate will play a small part in our remembering those words: the Somme. I also hope that it will remind Members of the vital work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in caring for the graves, cemeteries and memorials of those who died, and ensuring that their stories continue to be told. The commission maintains a stories portal, called For Evermore, which will allow Members to upload their own stories of family members, constituents or others who fell. I urge Members to do so, and to add to the 13,000 stories already told there. I look forward to hearing the contributions of Members from across the House.

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