We will remember them

This past week, communities across the country have come together to thank local service men and women, veterans and their families for their incredible efforts helping to keep Britain safe and secure.

I have been reflecting particularly on the life of local Stockport hero James Conway. Alongside 9 other soldiers, Conway was tasked with rowing five canoes into the Gironde estuary in Nazi-occupied France. Their aim was to explode German merchant ships heading for Bordeaux. Though successful in their mission, Conway, along with 6 other fellow soldiers, was subsequently shot by the Gestapo. Conway gave his life for our future. 

During remembrance, we honour and remember all the sacrifices made by servicemen and servicewomen – like Conway – as well as veterans and their families, past and present. 

From supporting the frontline response to the Covid crisis, to evacuating 15,000 people from Afghanistan in just two weeks, the UK’s servicemen and servicewomen continue to play a central role to support and protect us. 

As the Royal British Legion marks its centenary, as the Member of Parliament for Stockport, I am backing the charity’s efforts to encourage schools across the country to support the teaching of remembrance, to ensure the understanding of its importance is passed on to the next generation.

Today, and every day, we will remember them.