Mr Calvin Bailey

I thank the shadow Minister for those powerful words. I agree with him, which is why I took the time to go to the grave of the Unknown Warrior. I will ensure that any Member of the House who wishes to do the same is able to do so, and I urge all hon. Members to take up that invitation. The local and personal nature of the battalions who served in the first world war was reflected in a powerful contribution from my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Jack Abbott), who spoke about loyalty and reminded us that freedom has a cost. My hon. Friends the Members for Harlow (Chris Vince) and for South Derbyshire (Samantha Niblett) spoke about the importance of preserving those links and reminding ourselves what war is for. Before I finish and the hon. Member for South West Devon sums up the debate, I want to return to something she said about the amount of time that has elapsed since the battle of the Somme. Given that the battle was 110 years ago, it is easy for us to think that the time for remembrance has passed. However, as veterans will know, remembrance is part of the continuum of service. This year we remember the 20th anniversary of the loss of XV230 and the 14-person crew from 120 Squadron, the Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. We remember their loss and we will never forget their sacrifice. In closing, the legacy of the battle of the Somme unites us in remembrance, no matter where we come from and no matter our religion, race or politics. The sacrifice of men and women—including the Canary Girls in Woolwich and Carlisle, who bonded over the colour that stained their hands—is the same, from the Somme to Afghanistan, from Gallipoli to XV230. We remember their loss and we will never forget their sacrifice.