Commons Chamber

Monday 21st July 2025

(began 6 months, 2 weeks ago)

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None Portrait Q5. What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that post-16 education provides the skills necessary to support the economy. (905289)
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Question number five.
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None Portrait Q16. What steps she is taking to increase security in schools against bomb threats. (905302)
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16, please, Mr Speaker.
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None Portrait Q19. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed reforms to education, health and care plans on children with SEND. (905305)
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Very happy to meet the honourable member.
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None Portrait Q21. What steps she is taking to support young people into apprenticeships. (905307)
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Question 21.
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None Portrait Topical questions: Education
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Number one.
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Bridget Phillipson Portrait Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, The Secretary of State for Education (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)
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Number one.

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Before I make my topical statement, I like to address last week's tragic accident in Minehead. week's tragic accident in Minehead. I'm sure all members will join me in support and prayers. Deeper sympathies and condolences go to all of those affected at the school and of those affected at the school and in the wider community. Particularly the family and friends of the 10- year-old boy who tragically lost his year-old boy who tragically lost his year-old boy who tragically lost his life.

Most of those injured have now been released from hospital. Support has been put in place for those affected and this will continue into the summer break and beyond. I extend my thanks to everyone involved in coordinating and delivering this vital help. I also delivering this vital help. I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services delivering an incredible response in challenging circumstances. This Labour circumstances. This Labour government believes that children growing up in our country deserve the very best start in life. That's the very best start in life.

That's why we are investing £1.5 billion over the next three years to transfer early years and family services. This will include 500 £1.5 billion over the next three years to transfer early years and family services. This will include £500 for services. This will include £500 for rolling out best at family homes in every local authority -- £500 every local authority -- £500 million. Labour is building up the crucial family services decimated by the Tories. Providing support for parents, children from pregnancy onward.

Were just getting started.
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Diana Johnson Portrait Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, Labour)
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every effort must be made to catch, prosecute and punish those responsible. Let there be no doubt. Foreign nationals including the asylum seekers who break our laws should be expected to be removed from this country. In the first from this country. In the first year, this government has been in year, this government has been in office, 5079 were removed from the office, 5079 were removed from the UK. A 14% increase from the previous year. That is important progress but we want to go further.

We are changing the law and the border changing the law and the border security bill to ensure individuals convicted of any registered sexual offence are not granted asylum. We are legislating to allow for the are legislating to allow for the tagging of any migrant considered to pose a threat, to public safety or national security, as well as strengthening our crackdown on illegal working. We must go further to and hotel use. This Labour to and hotel use. This Labour government inherited an asylum system in chaos, with 400 hotels in system in chaos, with 400 hotels in use at their peak in 2023 at a cost use at their peak in 2023 at a cost of almost £9 million per day.

We are changing this. Clearing the asylum backlog and increasing returns to backlog and increasing returns to end the use of asylum hotels altogether by the end of this Parliament. Alongside these actions, we are mounting a comprehensive and wide-ranging effort to tackle small road crossings, including the intensified cooperation and pilot return scheme with the Home Secretary -- which the Home Secretary outlined last week -- small boat crossings. For the first time in years, there is now a serious and sensible plan to restore order and proper management to the asylum and in the system.

Let me state plainly to the house that we expect rules to be respected and enforced and we expect the law to be followed. When it is not, we expect those involved to phase the full force of the law. That is why we are taking every possible step to deliver strong border security this country needs because nothing matters more than the safety of the British people. British people.
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Chris Philp Portrait Rt Hon Chris Philp MP (Croydon South, Conservative)
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Thank you. The police minister was crowing about the government action on smallbore but the truth is this. So far this year the government has allowed 23,000 illegal immigrants across the channel -- small boats. This year has been by far the worst ever. Numbers in asylum hotels are now higher than at the time of the election. This is a border security crisis but it is also a public safety crisis, especially for women and girls. Many nationalities crossing, for example Afghans, commit up to 20 times more sex offences than average.

Louise Casey made that point in her report. Now we have press reporting on the huge scale of the crime committed by illegal immigrants housed in the government's loan asylum hotels. The Found 339 Charges in the Last Six Months Based on Only Have To Hotels -- based on only half of hotels. These included rape and sexual assault, violent assault and arson. Case referred to was a 38-year-old Ethiopian man charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

And other illegal immigrant has been accused of raping a woman in a churchyard. Sydney's man was convicted of trying to rape a woman in a nightclub toilet in Wakefield. The public are rightly sick of this illegal immigrant crimewave. It has to end. And her response, will she commit now to doing these things. Record and publish the immigration status of all offenders. Secondly, close that a silo hotel in Epping. There they, repeal the Human Rights Act for immigration matters and will she emulate Greece's new approach which started today and deport all illegal immigrants upon arrival from France without judicial process, either back to the country of origin or to a safe third country? Will she give the house in the country those commit 's?
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Diana Johnson Portrait Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, Labour)
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Minister.

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Minister.

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Let me repeat to the house, any allegation of crime or sexual assault is incredibly serious, assault is incredibly serious, including by individuals in the asylum system and it is to be treated so by the authorities and by treated so by the authorities and by this government. I must say to the Shadow Home Secretary, I regret the Shadow Home Secretary, I regret the tone he is taking on such a serious and important matter. I would also gently remind him to look at his gently remind him to look at his record on this issue and that of the party opposite.

At their peak, over 400 asylum hotels were in operation. 400 asylum hotels were in operation. Will at a cost of almost £9 million a day. And first returns were down a day. And first returns were down 50% on 2010, returns of foreign national offenders had fallen by a thousand. Criminal smuggler gangs were able to exploit our week border were able to exploit our week border security. There was no proper

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management of public safety risks. Order.

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Order. There was no proper management of public safety risks posed by individual asylum seekers. Migrants could work illegally in the Greek economy with few sanctions for the companies responsible. This government is gripping the situation, turning the system around. We have removed 5179 foreign national offenders in our first year in office and just to put that in perspective for the benefit of the House, that is more foreign criminals then were removed in the entire 20 month that the right Honourable gentleman was the Minister for Immigration.

Excuse, excuse, excuse. I would say the same pattern is true of illegal working as well. Actually, it is even worse. In the first quarter of this year, we delivered more rates, more arrests and finds against illegal working than he managed in the entire time that he was the Immigration Minister. We did more in three months to crackdown on illegal working than he managed in 20 It is a fact, actually. Now we are trying to go further in all of these areas.

It is clear that the party opposite and their friends in Reform are the ones trying to stop us. We introduce counterterror measures at the border to smash the gangs responsible for the vile trade. They voted against the bill that delivers that. We introduced measures to ban sex offenders from getting asylum in the UK. They voted against the bill that delivers them. We introduced tagging for those arriving illegally who pose a risk to the public and to extend illegal working duties to cover the gig economy, once again, they voted against it.

14 years of inaction leaving our borders exposed and our communities fractured. And yet the shadow Home Secretary has the cheek to lecture us about

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keeping the country safe. Chris Murray.
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Diana Johnson Portrait Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson MP, The Minister of State, Home Department (Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, Labour)
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That is a matter for each individual member opposite to explain to constituents. I know that this is an issue that people care about and they will have to explain the decision to constituents, including in Croydon. Speak like we have got the responsibility to deal in the truths and to counter the in the truths and to counter the narratives when they are false and the Minister talked about this crossing into mindless thuggery and every one of us should be saying to constituents or anyone who gets in that you are spreading rumours which that you are spreading rumours which have no basis in the truth, for have no basis in the truth, for example, an unfunded remark that had no basis in the truth in my constituency about asylum seekers hotels, this is a dog whistle fix.

What is the Minister doing to say to What is the Minister doing to say to people, actually, just like in any people, actually, just like in any community, there are reckless and it is not only in migrant hotels and we is not only in migrant hotels and we must make sure constituents are detected. detected. She raises an important point and over the last few years, the online space input to the has been used for misinformation, downright lies, and it is important that we all recognise that we should be very careful when we look at social media sites and we should use critical thinking as we teach children in schools to always ask about why this piece of information is being put out.

It's from a reliable source? Look for reliable sources to seek information about what is happening. It's important. Perhaps we have not always been as quick as we should be in recognising how social media has move things on in the way that we need to deal with. There are enormous amounts of work in DSIT and the Home Office to look at what we have to do in this space including social media. social media.
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Steve Reed Portrait Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )
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failing. Our rivers, lakes and seas are polluted with record levels of sewage. Water pipes have been left sewage. Water pipes have been left to crumble into disrepair and I share customers fury at rising share customers fury at rising bills. There are hosepipe bans right now in place across the country now in place across the country because not a single new reservoir because not a single new reservoir has been built in over 30 years, and the lack of water infrastructure is blocking economic growth.

Water blocking economic growth. Water companies have been allowed to profit at the expense of the British profit at the expense of the British public. They have got away with this because of a broken regulatory because of a broken regulatory system that has failed customers and failed the environment. The public failed the environment. The public expressed their fury during last years general election and they voted for change. That change will voted for change. That change will now come. In just one year, we have put in place the building blocks for put in place the building blocks for change.

First, we restore accountability by giving regulators more teeth with a ban on unfair more teeth with a ban on unfair bonuses, severe and automatic penalties for the most serious offences. Second, we are investing £104 billion of private sector funding to rebuild the water network, upgrading crumbling pipes, repairing leaks, building new sewage treatment works and digging out new reservoirs. This is the single biggest investment in the water sector history and it allows me to make a new commitment to the country that this government will be halfway the end of this decade.

This is the most ambitious commitment ever made by any government about water pollution and it is just the start because over a decade of national renewal, we will restore our rivers lakes and seas to good health. The third building block for change is today's final report from Sir John, left independent water commission and I would like to express my thanks to Sir John, his officials, and all those who have contributed to this outstanding piece of work. I agree with Sir John that water regulation has been too weak, too complex, and ineffective.

Having four separate regulators with overlapping and conflicting remits has failed customers and the environment. Ofwat has failed to protect customers from water companies mismanagement of their hard earned money and failed to protect our waterways from record levels of pollution. Today, I can announce that this Labour government will abolish Ofwat. We will bring water functions from four different regulators into one, a single powerful superregulator responsible for the entire water sector, and with the teeth it needs to enforce the high standards the public rightly demand.

The new regulator will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment, and it will prevent the abuses of the past. For customers, it will oversee investment and upgrade work so hard working British families are never again hit by the shocking bill hikes we saw last year as customers were left to pay the price of failure by the previous government. For investors, it will provide the clarity and direction required for a strong partnership between governments, the sector and investors, to attract billions of pounds of new funding.

For the environment, it will reduce all forms of pollution to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good. We will work closely with the Welsh government to devolve economic water to Wales. I will publish a White Paper this autumn giving the government's full response to the independent water Commissioner's final report and launch a consultation on it. Following that, I will bring forward a new water reform bill early during the lifetime of this Parliament. Ofwat will remain in place during the transition to the new regulator and I will ensure they provide the right leadership to oversee the current price review and investment plan during that time.

To provide clarity during this period, I will issue an interim strategic policy statement to Ofwat and give ministerial directions to the Environment Agency, setting out our expectations and requirements. It will publish a transition plan as part of our full government response in the autumn. Today, we are immediately taking forward a number of surgeons recommendations. First, we will establish a new statutory water ombudsman, a single free service to help customers resolve complaints such as incorrect bills, leaking pipes or watersupply failures.

The new ombudsman will have the legal powers to protect customers and will bring this abuse and process in line with things like energy. It is part of the government's ambition to put customers at the heart of water regulation. Secondly, we will end the area of water companies marking their own homework. We will end self-monitoring and transition to open monitoring to increase transparency and help restore public trust. Water companies are already required to publish data on some sewage spills within one hour.

We will roll out real-time monitoring across the wastewater system. All this data will be made publicly available online. This will ensure the regulator, and importantly, also the public have the power to hold water companies fully accountable. Third, we commit to including a regional element within the new regulator to ensure greater local involvement in water planning. By moving to a catchment based model for water system planning, we can tackle all sources of pollution entering waterways so that they can be cleaned up more effectively and more quickly.

This will ensure, for the first time, the water infrastructure investment plans align with spatial planning to support faster regional economic growth. The lack of water infrastructure that held back development around Cambridge and Oxford for so long will not happen again. The new regulatory framework will recognise the risks investors take, and if they meet their obligations, they will see a fair stable return on their investment. Just last week, I signed the governments new water skills pledge to make sure the sector has the workforce it needs to deliver this vast investment.

This Labour government was elected to clean up water pollution and ensure unacceptable bill hikes can never happen again. We now have all the building blocks in place to make that happen. We are establishing a new partnership based on effective regulation where water companies, investors, communities and the government will work together to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.
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Robbie Moore Portrait Robbie Moore MP (Keighley and Ilkley, Conservative)
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I am grateful to the secretary of state for advanced site of his statement, and I will be responding on behalf of the Shadow Secretary of State while she meets with farmers today at the Royal Welsh show. Let me begin by recognising the scale and seriousness of the work undertaken by said John, left and his team. This review contains 460 pages, 88 recommendations, and represents one of the most detailed examinations of the water sector since privatisation. Indeed, there is much in it that we cautiously welcome on this side of the house, including the merger of the regulators.

Recommendations in more detail, we stand ready to support serious reform if it is done properly. But I am afraid to say that what we have seen and heard from the Secretary of State over the past year has not matched the seriousness of jerk Cunliffe's work, nor has it got anywhere near the radical reform that he sold to voters prior to the election. So I seek clarity from the Secretary of State on the following points. First, over the weekend, he announced that Labour would cut sewage bills by 50% by 5030, but what he wouldn't mention is that plan submitted in the previous Conservative government already set to cut those bills by even more than that amount.

The Times yesterday reported that the Secretary of State's new pledge would actually see an increase of an additional 20,000 discharges of sewage in our rivers compared to existing previously agreed plans so can the secretary of state explain why, after 88 recommendations and a year-long review into the sector, he has watered down sewage reduction targets, rather than massively ramping them up. Secondly, the secretary of state took to the airways at the weekend, telling the public that we need to go back the purity of our waters that we all remember.

But the uncomfortable truth Labour still refuses to take responsibility for is that when they left office, just 7% of storm over were monitored. Let me repeat that. Under Blair Brown, 93% of sewage discharges were happening with no oversight and no accountability whatsoever. The only reason that we can talk tough today is because the previous government pushed monitoring to 100% by 2023, so I asked the Secretary of State to clarify his statement. Third, the Secretary of State told the public that he had secured £104 billion of investment from the water sector to fund these reductions.

What he didn't mention is that 93%, 93 billion of that investment plan was already submitted by water companies in October by water companies in October 2023, nine months before he was even in office, and I would know this because I was the minister at the time and I literally have the letter here with it, so will he comment on this issue? And forth, the secretary state champions the 81 criminal investigations into water companies that have taken place and the election and his ban on water company bosses bonuses, but what it doesn't explain is that these criminal investigations are the direct result of the Conservative's policy of quadrupling the number of water company inspections, and it was our side of the house who launched the ban on water company bosses bonuses.

This is all available for the public to see, for the public to fact check for themselves. What this shows is that for all its bluster, no progress was made on this issue over the last year. They have sat on their hands for more than a year, waiting for this review, and there is no wonder the campaigners that the Secretary of State so shamelessly used for votes in there at the last general election are now, today, calling for his resignation.

Mr Speaker, we on this side of the house stand ready to work with the government on serious reform. We will support any action that genuinely holds water companies to account, delivers clean waters, and protects the public from paying the price of corporate failure. But we will not stand by while the Secretary of State rewrites history, watered-down ambition, and backtracks on the promises made to the public.
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Tim Farron Portrait Tim Farron MP (Westmorland and Lonsdale, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you. I thank the Secretary of State for sight of the statement and indeed Sir Jon for his report and his work in producing it. The Liberal Democrats have long argued for the abolition of Ofwat and the creation of a new consolidated and powerful regulator. In fact put it to the Bill Committee and he was not -- it was not supported by the Conservative party or the Labour Party but the bill today seems to include just that so we strongly welcome the statement.

It is a reminder to volunteers and water campaigners across the country their work is absolutely worthwhile and has made a huge difference. My message to them is thank you so much and keep going because we still do not know the details of the nature of the regulator. And we still see no sign if this report of any plan to tackle the toxic nature of the ownership of the structure of the water industry. So why is there no plan to change the structure of the industry itself? Even the best regulator in the world will fail if water companies are still owned by those who care nothing for the quality of the lakes, rivers and seas and care only about making as much profit as possible in return for very little investment.

Is it really acceptable then to ask bill payers for a 30% rise when there is no guarantee the water companies will be siphoning off -- will not be siphoning off huge chunks of that in dividends, pay rises and bonuses? Why is there nothing in the statement that will truly empower the volunteers, citizens and scientists of water campaigners? Why are we not giving places on water company boards to the likes of the river trust 's, the clean river campaigns, Surfers Against Sewage and others? And why is there no mention of managing the volume of sewage spills as well as the numbers of incidents? And no number -- and no mention of legally binding pollution reduction targets.

This statement is welcome and we rightly celebrate the Liberal Democrat wins this campaigners for love, as an effective constructive opposition we must scrutinise detail and continue campaigning to clean up waterways and cleanable water industry too. That is what we shall do. -- Clean That is what we shall do. -- Clean up our water industry too. That is what we shall do. what we shall do.
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Steve Reed Portrait Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Streatham and Croydon North, Labour )
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I thank the honourable gentleman. I thank his comments about those who have carried out fantastic work to ensure this issue remains where it needs to be right at the top of the political agenda. I have -- I hope they will join with me and him in welcoming this report from Sir Jon. There will be a white paper and there will be a consultation alongside that. We will launch the white paper in the autumn giving detailed government responses to the 450 page report, 88 recommendations.

There is a lot to go through. There are proposals in there about ownership and that will be consulted on as well. Volunteers need citizens and scientists and they will indeed be able to engage for the first time through the proposed regional structures. We accept the proposal in principle. The detail of it will be worked through during the consultation. This is the first time we will have had A-level of engagement around the catchment, around the entire river systems. Citizens, local authorities, businesses will all have a voice in that as well, as will the farming community operating within those catchments.

I believe by reducing catchments. I believe by reducing the number of spills we will also reduce the volume of spills. He will be able to monitor that, he will be able to hold me to account as well the House and public. As we work towards the targets I have outlined today for reducing sewage spills today for reducing sewage spills from water companies by 50% by 2030. He of course is lucky enough to represent one of the most beautiful parts of the country which has Windermere up there and working with United Utilities to remove all source of pollution from that beautiful iconic lake.

So what became a story of decline can become a visible simple -- symbol of renewal with this government. renewal with this government.
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David Lammy Portrait Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Tottenham, Labour)
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With permission I would like to make a statement on the Middle East. I will begin on Syria. We have been horrified by the recent violence in the south, including civilian deaths. Clashes between groups have quickly escalated into intense fighting with involvement from government forces and further Israeli strikes on the Syrian militia. As I said directly to Foreign Minister Sri Barney we want to see the fighting ended so it is protected and the rights of all Syrians are upheld.

Violence must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. We want humanitarian access to be restored, aid to be delivered and Syrian sovereignty must be respected. The UK can be proud of our support to the Syrian people over many years. A stable Syria matters for the U.K.'s national interests for regular migration and regional stability. We must work to prevent extremism, sectarianism and Law & Order taking hold now the asset is gone. -- Al- Assad is gone.

That is why we are backing this and support an inclusive transition and it is why I visited recently to support and press new government to meet its commitments. I will now turn to the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It is 2.5 months since Prime Minister Netanyahu started offensive operations. The IDF has driven Palestinians out of 80 -- 86% of Gaza. Leaving around 2 million people trapped in an area scarcely Whatever this Israeli government might claim, displacement of so many civilians is not keeping them safe, in fact, it is quite the reverse.

Mr Deputy Speakers, the new Israeli aid system is inhumane, dangerous, and it is depriving Gazans of human dignity for topic contradicts humanitarian principles, creates disorder that how mass is now exploiting, it forces desperate civilians, children among them, to scramble unsafely for the essentials of life. It is a grotesque spectacle, wrecking a terrible human cost. Most of thousands civilians have been killed since May seeking aid. Including 100 this weekend alone.

There are near daily reports of Israeli troops opening fire on people to access food. Israeli jets have hit women and children waiting for a health clinic to open. An Israeli drone has struck down children filling water containers which Israeli officials blamed on a technical error. Hamas is of course contributing to the chaos and taking advantage of it but I utterly condemn the killing of civilians seeking to meet their basic needs. The Israeli government must answer what possible military justification can there be for strikes that have killed desperate staffing children.

What immediate actions are they taking to stop this litany of horrors? And what will they do to horrors? And what will they do to hold those responsible to account? I have said before that I am a steadfast supporter of Israel security and its right to exist. I treasure the connections between our peoples and the horrors of October 7 must never be forgotten, but I firmly believe the Israeli government's action are doing untold damage to Israel's standing in the world.

And undermining Israel's long-term security. Netanyahu should listen to the Israeli people. 82% of whom desperately want a ceasefire. And to the hostage families because they know it offers the best chance to bring their loved ones home. Those hostages may be hidden in cramped tunnels under the ruins of Gaza but we will not forget them, or the despicable actions of Hamas, and we will continue to demand the unconditional release. This offensive puts them in grave danger but still, Minister Katz has gone further, proposing to drive Gaza's entire population into Rafa, imprisoning Palestinians unless persuaded to emigrate.

This is a cruel vision which must never come to pass. And I condemn it unequivocally. Permanent force displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law. Many Israelis themselves are appalled. A former Israeli prime minister said it marches us into an abyss. He was right. Today, I join the statement of 31 foreign ministers as signatures with a simple urgent message. The war in Gaza must and now. There is no military solution. Negotiations will secure the hostages stop further bloodshed serves no purpose.

Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now and the next ceasefire must be the last one. I thank the US, Qatar and Egypt for their tireless efforts and I'm sure all members share my intense frustration that it has not happened. Until there is a breakthrough, we must keep doing all we can to relieve the suffering. UK aid has saved lives, reaching hundreds of thousands with food, water, hygiene and sanitation, and essential healthcare, and under the most appalling circumstances. Our aid is saving lives today.

That includes the almost £9 million the UK has provided to UK medicine since we entered office, reaching half a million patients inside Gaza, 24,000 in the past fight alone. Like three-year-old Roseanne, medics removed a bullet from her neck after three hours of surgery. These doctors and nurses work in the most extreme conditions who are truly heroes. They deserve the admiration of the entire house. We are also working multilaterally. 149 trucks of the World Food Programme and UNICEF entering Gaza in recent days included food supplies funded by the UK and thousands more trucks paid for by British taxpayers can enter the moment the Israeli government lets them in.

Today, I am announcing an extra £40 million worth for humanitarian assistance in Gaza this year, including 7/2 million for UK members to sustain their vital operations in Gaza to save more lives. Accompanying the horrors of Gaza, there is an Excel campaign to prevent further Palestinian state in the West Bank. It is embraced by Netanyahu, encouraged by ministers, driven by an extremist ideology that wants to suffocate the two state solution, the only route to a lasting peace and security.

We see it in the unprecedented pace of settlement expansion in the shocking levels of subtle violence and terrorism. For that is what the most egregious psychological attacks are, and it is the deliberate attempts to squeeze the Palestinian Authority, denying access to its own funds, and it harms Israel's long-term interest in the process. Now the Israeli government is reintroducing plans to construct new units in the E1 area of occupied Jerusalem. If built, this settlement would separate the West Bank north from its South and Palestinians in the West Bank for East Jerusalem.

These plans are wholly unacceptable. They are illegal and they must not happen. We are striving to keep open the prospects of a two state solution. UK assistance has been preserving the Palestinian Authority, contributing to essential Palestinian work and supporting them Palestinian work and supporting them Palestinian work and supporting them We are delivering the reform We are delivering the reform plans that the president has set out. I can also confirm that we are providing £20 million worth to support funds for Palestinian refugees.

Alongside the support, we are leading diplomatic efforts to show that there must be a viable pathway to a Palestinian state involving the Palestinian Authority in the governments of the area. Hamas can have no role in the governments of Gaza nor use it as a launchpad for terrorism. We support the Palestinian Authority not undermine the economy as ministers are doing. The UK is co-leading with humanitarian reconstruction tracks for the forthcoming two state solution conference, and we are pushing to agree plans for next stage in Gaza with the responsible reform PA at their core.

So we turn any temporary ceasefire into a lasting peace. The Labour government has acted to address this conflict and restored funding after the Tories frozen. We have suspended licenses from the Tories declining licenses from the Tories declining to act. We have almost 1/4 of a billion in assistance this year and next, getting medical treatment and food to hundreds of thousands in Gaza. We stood with hostages at every stage, worked with Jordan to fly medicines into Gaza with Egypt to treat civilians with Q8 and UNICEF to help children in Gaza.

We have delivered three sanction packages on violent settlers, suspended them with Israeli government and sanctioned far right ministers. We have defended the independent courts and signed a landmark agreement with authorities and hosted the Palestinian prime minister in London, pushing for the reform it needs. We have called for, worked for an immediate ceasefire and the result of hostages at every possible opportunity, and we will keep doing so until this war is over, Hamas releases are hostages and we finally have a pathway to a two state solution.

I commend the statement to the house.
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Priti Patel Portrait Rt Hon Priti Patel MP (Witham, Conservative)
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I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for advanced site of the statement. The violence, loss of life and conflicts that continuing the Middle East shock us all. The events in the Middle East have a direct impact upon our national interest and to people living in our own country from the concerns about family member is in the regions to demonstrations on our street and from the threats from Iran to the rise of anti-Semitism. This side of house is clear that we want to see an end of the conflict in Gaza, return of the hostages, humanitarian support which is so desperately needed must get in, and an end to the terror inflicted by Hamas and Iran.

But the reality of peace and a sustainable end to the conflict in Gaza seems to be drifting further away. What is Britain's role when it comes to workable outcomes and practical solutions to advance an end to this conflict? And what diplomatic action is being taken with regional allies and the US? Where is Britain's voice of action when it comes to putting new pressure on Hamas to agree the most recent proposals to secure a ceasefire and release the hostages who have been in captivity for more than 650 days.

On the statement the foreign sector signed earlier today, can he confirm or explain what an unconditional and permanent ceasefire means for Hamas and the Palestinian Authority? Last week, I met with those who have been held in captivity by Hamas. I pay tribute to their incredible bravery and their resilience and dedication to securing the freedom of the securing the freedom of the remaining hostages. They are held in barbaric captivity. They must be returned to their loved ones. The hostages at night humanitarian access by Hamas.

What is the government doing about this and when was his last intervention on this particular issue? On aid to Gaza, the situation has deteriorated beyond all rational comprehension. The daily reports of casualties seeking aid are appalling and we utterly condemn these attacks but our words and vertical statements of condemnation are not saving lives so what practical solutions, posters and options has the Foreign Secretary and the British government discussed with Israel on aid supplies into Gaza? What dialogue is that a finding agreement of getting aid supplies and access that goes beyond the current dangerous approach that has been adopted? I remind the house the last Conservative government secured new age roots and better aid access to save lives.

Surely in light of the desperate urgency of the situation we all see calls for such options have to be considered once again. On settlement, I reiterate our long- standing position that these are not helpful to achieving long-term peace. Israel should not take steps that should make a two state solution more difficult and it must use its legal system to clamp down on settler violence. We wanted to state solution a guarantee security and stability for both Israeli and Palestinians and I'm sure that he agrees that it should only come at a time that is conducive to peace and that it cannot be at the start of a process and certainly not while Israeli hostages are still in captivity in Gaza.

Does the Foreign Secretary agree the need to be a clear plan and international measures to see the exit of Hamas from Gaza? On Syria, the barbaric violence we have witnessed in recent days cannot continue. All groups of minorities in Syria must be protected and the Foreign Secretary has measured his discussions recently with the transitional Syrian leadership. Did he convey to those in charge that they have a responsibility to end the outcome in their country and guarantee the protection of all minority groups in Syria before international communities remove sanctions and normalises relationships? What assurances has he received from the transitional government and have these commitments been met in anyway with measurable action? Will he update the house on whether any of the £64.5 million of money and dedicated to Syria announced by the government will be used to deal with the aftermath of these latest clashes and how will it be spent? Can the Foreign Secretary also confirm whether he deems sufficient action has been taken by the interim government on the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria? Does he believe the HTS government is capable of securing Syrians borders and can he also explain whether he intends to change the described status of HTS? On sanctions, can you give us his assessment on the effect of the sections already lifted and if they have had any unintended side-effects? Syria's future still hangs in the balance and we need to be holy evidence led in our approach.

The Foreign Secretary did not mention Iran but we understand that Iran, Britain France and Germany are due to hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday. Can he confirm the purpose of these talks? Is he coordinating actions with the US and what is the content of the deal the Foreign Secretary would deal the Foreign Secretary would
18:16
David Lammy Portrait Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Tottenham, Labour)
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I am very grateful to the shadow Foreign Secretary for the tone of her remarks on the cross-party consensus that exists in this House that this war must come to an end. And huge concern we all have not just in this House but also in the international community about the humanitarian suffering we continue to see. Just on that point, she raises what more can be done? And praises aid and work of the former Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron. She will recognise Lord Cameron and prior to that former Foreign Secretary Cleverley all raised with the Israelis the situation, the humanitarian situation.

It is got steadily worse. It is now down to 48 points -- for eight points and a new foundation offering aid and people are dying as they scramble for that aid. I note in her remarks she did not say that we should go back to the eight points we had in the past and she will note her government did not refund funding to UNRWA but we believe the UN and its system are best placed to deliver aid to Gaza. That is the position we continue to maintain.

She raises also against that backdrop what we are doing in terms of our multilateral and doing to work with others to bring this to an end. And I ask her to read the statement that landed. 31 countries have now signed up to that statement and of course we are pressing and working with colleagues. That is why I spoke to the Minister once again today, to urge him to do the right thing. To get a ceasefire but to look now clearly at this aid system that is not working.

On governance she will know we will participate in the two state conference that has been organised by France. In a couple of weeks time. She will know that conference is now dedicated to looking closely at the governance arrangements you have to put in place when Hamas leave and they must go and they cannot govern Gaza, how do we ensure this is not a 60 day pause but we bring an end to this and we moved to a two-state solution? She knows our commitment to recognition as set out in our manifesto and the conversations going on internationally in relation to recognition.

She rightly presses the case in Syria. Of course when I met with officials I was absolutely clear this government had to be inclusive. I pressed it because of his former background as a terrorist and the concerns that exist both within government and within this chamber but we must work together to ensure security as fundamental and she will understand we have much we need to do to support them in Counter-Terrorism Act this time. In a country where 90% of people are living in poverty to ensure people get the aid and the support they need and indeed the areas affected by the murders we saw over the last few days.
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Calum Miller Portrait Calum Miller MP (Bicester and Woodstock, Liberal Democrat)
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Thank you. I thank the Foreign Secretary for advanced sight of his statement. I welcome his commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Syria and to hold in the government of Syria and Israel accountable for protecting all civilians, especially minorities. The Foreign Secretary is right to say the situation in Gaza is inhumane and grotesque. He is right a ceasefire is desperately needed. I welcome the aid allocations he has announced. The problem is the situation is not new. The problem is repeated expressions of regret by this government have not prevented further carnage being brought by the Netanyahu government.

The whole house saw the passion with which the right honourable gentleman announced the British, French and Canadian joint position on 20 May and with which the Minister for the Middle East sanctioned Minister Smotrich in Ben-Gvir on 10 June. In that statement Minister said and I quote, we cannot stand by and they would respond with not just words but actions. I think they meant it. And yet two months later the Secretary of State has only words, not actions. His joint statement with other countries today says once again only quote, we are prepared to take further action.

And yet children are queueing for food and water still being killed every day as the Israeli cabinet maintained its grotesque blockade of humanitarian aid and now proposes an open-air prison for all Gazans which would amount to ethnic cleansing according to reports. I spoke to Oxfordshire doctors from NASA hospital in Gaza, they prescribed -- discussed the desperation facing the citizens after the latest Israeli attack. The death of patients wanting basic dressings and the IDF slightly -- idea flights directly into the hospital compound.

Settlers on the West Bank continue to illegally occupy Palestinian homes and land and the remaining hostages held in Gaza now for over 650 days at the hands of Hamas terrorists are no closer to release. I have written to the Foreign Secretary frequently to set out the steps the liberal Democrats believe we should take. I will simply ask does the Foreign Secretary truly believe his government is doing all it can to put an end to the terrible violence and starvation witnessed in Gaza in clear contravention of international law? Can he explain why there have been so many -- so few consequences since the Minister spoke so powerfully in the last few months.

Can he dispel the widespread view he is not setting the policy he would choose but instead being reamed in by Number 10's desire not to upset President Trump by acting more broadly?

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Can I say to the honourable
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David Lammy Portrait Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Tottenham, Labour)
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I want to associate my remarks with what the honourable lady has said, and to ensure her, not just on my behalf, but on behalf of everyone in this chamber, there will be no complicity in any acts that could be a breach of international humanitarian law.

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Last week, I heard from someone who had been held hostage by Hamas. who had been held hostage by Hamas. It was a powerful reminder that until all hostages are released, now until all hostages are released, now hostages are released. It is true hostages are released. It is true for him and his family and all the others. It's the families of hostages who are some of the loudest voices calling for an end to this voices calling for an end to this war.

Can the Secretary of State outline what steps he is taking to ensure that the next ceasefire is ensure that the next ceasefire is permanent, scene hostages get out of

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Gaza and aid to get in? I'm grateful for his question. He is absolutely right to mention hostages. He knows that I have met hostages. He knows that I have met regularly with hostage families. He regularly with hostage families. He is absolutely right that the overwhelming majority of Israeli overwhelming majority of Israeli people, 83%, what the hostages to get out and they want a sustained get out and they want a sustained and enduring ceasefire, which is not the current position of Benjamin Netanyahu.
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None Portrait Ministerial statement: Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response
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Statement.
19:46
Nick Thomas-Symonds Portrait Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Torfaen, Labour)
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Statement. Thank you. The Infected Blood Inquiry's additional report was Inquiry's additional report was published of -- on 9 July. Today, I would like to provide the house with the initial response. I'm grateful to Sir Brian Langstaff for the additional report. His ambition was to ensure that compensation was -- fair compensation was provided to every person without delay. Before considering the detail of the report, I want to share the latest delivery figures from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.

As of Blood Compensation Authority. As of 15 July, epochal -- IPCA has contacted people and started the claim process. 800 offers have been made with a total value of over 602 million, 587 people have accepted the offer with over £411 paid in compensation. -- 411 million. I'm pleased that progress is being made but I acknowledge the calls from the community for faster payment. That is why the government wrote to the public accounts and the public administration and Constitutional affairs committee last month outlining the steps we are taking to remove administrative barriers to speeding up payments.

Further payments of £200,000 to the estate of infected people who registered to infected blood support scheme and have sadly passed away. This is in addition to the over 500 interim payments already paid, and I will provide further information on this as soon as I am able to. The government is committed to providing fair compensation to victims of the infected blood scandal. In the infected blood scandal. In the Autumn Budget, we set aside 11.8, we set aside £11.8 billion to do that.

The enquiry has recognise the government's commitment saying there can be no doubt that the government has done right in ways which powerfully signalled its intent. I agree with Sir Brian's statement that there is still more to be done to ensure that the detail and operation of the scheme matches up to its intent. Sir Brian has made a number of recommendations on ways the compensation scheme can be amended to achieve a scheme which works for everyone. I will deposit a copy of that in the library.

We will provide a comprehensive response in due course. The report offers recommendations for IBCA. IBCA is expected to contact all registered people by the end of this year. The announcements I'm about to make do not change that position. On Friday, Sir Robert Francis and David Foley confirmed they will be accepting the confirmed they will be accepting the recommendations the enquiry made to IBCA and they are committed to working with the community to develop plans for designing and implementing those recommendations.

IBCA will design a processor registration. They will also update sequencing in line with the enquiry's recommendation. This will inform the order in which they open up to cohorts this year. IBCA will introduce a process of privatisation and recognise that community involvement is needed in tackling any uncertainty which this may introduce. Alongside this, I have asked for a review of IBCA 's delivery of the scheme to make sure it is progressing as quickly as possible. This will be supported by the national infrastructure and service authority and I led by an independent reviewer.

-- And led by an independent viewer. -- Reviewer. Infected and affected people must feel they have been compensated fairly by a scheme that is designed and delivered with their input. Separate to the delivery of composition by IBCA, the enquiry has made recommendations relating to the design and structure of the scheme. Seven of these sub- recommendations the government will accept and implement as soon as I can so that IBCA can get along with paying compensation. When I gave evidence compensation.

When I gave evidence to the enquiry in May, I looked at issues which had been put to me. The enquiry has made eight some -- eight enquiry has made eight some -- eight sub- recommendations. I can confirm we will remove the 1982 start date for HIV infection to ensure that anyone infected due to infected blood or infected blood products with HIV is eligible for the scheme regardless of the infection date. We accept the enquiry's recommendation on affected.

I'm going to go further than the enquiry's recommendation. The enquiry recommended that were someone who would be ineligible affected person sadly died or dies between 21 May, 2024 and 31st of December, 2029, there claim will not die with the body becomes part of the estate. I will extended by a further two years, to December, at 2031. The special mechanism has been a concern for the community and this House. I will look at this and I'm pleased to say we accept change is needed to acknowledge the special category mechanism as part of the supplementary route and we will be engaging with the community on how best to realise these changes.

Another area committee to consider was to reinstate support payments to partners bereaved after 31 March, 2025, until they receive compensation. And accepting this recommendation and I will ensure those impacted will also be able to continue receiving those payments as part of the compensation package. The issue of unethical research is one of the most shocking aspects of this kind of. I can also confirm to the House today that we will consult on revising the approach for the additional autonomy award on unethical research.

I know this is something that has been raised by Honourable members. The final area I will consider is whether further supplementary routes for affected people can be introduce. The enquiry recommended we consult to understand the feasibility of how these could be implemented, alongside changes regarding exceptional financial loss award. I agree with the enquiry. The consideration should be into these issue and consideration involves those impacted. We are accepting further enquiry recommendations to remove the requirement for evidence of the date of diagnosis for hepatitis B or C which we hope may allow claims for those infected with hepatitis to be processed more quickly.

By accepting these recommendations today, we can start to implement the necessary changes as soon as possible. There are several recommendations on areas where changes to the scheme are needed. We intend to engage the community on how best to achieve the. The enquiry is clear. People impacted by decisions need to be involved in them and that is what we will seek to do before implementing these changes. This includes acting on recommendations regarding compensation for the impact of interferon. -- This is for those who received interferon treatment.

Additionally, we will work with IBCA to introduce a mechanism that individuals can use to raise concerns to aid continuous improvement of the scheme. I'm sure Honourable members will understand that to do this, the government will need to make further regulations. At our priority is to move quickly and so to make some of the simpler changes we will bring forward a set of regulations as soon as parliamentary time allows. These regulations will not implement all the policy changes recommended by the enquiry.

In the evidence, I was open to changes that do not lead to further delays. I believe that by making these changes recommended in the enquiry will not delay the speed. Further said the regulations will be needed to implement the more substantial changes, particularly those where we are taking time to engage the community and how those updates can be realised. Therefore, I accept the second more substantial set of regulations to be brought before Parliament in 2026. We do not expect, and I really emphasise this, this engagement causing delays to the rollout of the scheme as it currently stands, which is absolutely crucial, as I said, to the enquiry.

We are responding swiftly and constructively to Sir Brian and putting the voices and needs of the community to -- immunity first. -- Community first. I have continued to engage with charities. I recognise there are concerns about allocated funding and can confirm that the Department for health and social care is a re- examining funding for this year and will look at options for future. With regard to recommendation number two, on memorialisation, I'm pleased to announce that following engagement with the community, Clive Smith has been appointed as chair of the Memorial Committee.

I'm confident he will be able to bring the community together to make great progress on this work. This government has made progress in implementing the recommendations. But progress is never a full conclusion. Sir Brian is clear about the importance of scrutinising progress in delivering what the government is committed to. I agree. I'm pleased to confirm I have asked PACA to take on the role of scrutinising the enquiry -- the implementation of the enquiry's recommendations. It's for the committee to outline how the approach this work.

I trust they will follow the example of the enquiry. In addition today, I'm publishing a record of enquiry recommendations and the government response on guv.uk as promised in a response -- gov.uk as promised in response -- gov.uk as promised in the response. To conclude, I'd like to quote directly from Sir Brian's report. He ends by stating "The truly involving people, infected and affected, and how the state recognises their losses." He is absolutely right.

Our focus is we move forward. We must be working together with the community, with IBCA, and indeed with each other in this House, to not only deliver justice to all those impacted, but essentially to restore trust in the state to people who have been let down too many times. Recommend the statement to the house.
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Mike Wood Portrait Mike Wood MP (Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, Conservative)
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Shadow minister. Honourable gentleman for his statement and for advance sight of it. On behalf of his majesties loyal opposition, I'd like to thank Sir Brian Langstaff for his initial work on the enquiry and for all the follow-up work he has done. This additional report focusing on compensation is a significant and very thorough piece of work which has been done in good time. Our thanks also go to those working at the Infected Blood Compensation Authority to get the money out to those who desperately need it.

I know that right honourable friend welcome the valuable insight that they gained from recent visits to the team on the ground in Tyneside. Above all, I pay tribute to the victims, the family's and the campaigners who have fought relentlessly and bravely on this issue. I previously raised in this house the concerns of victims and families have had about the speed and structure of the compensation scheme. They have been repeatedly frustrated by a failure to speed up payments.

While there are signs that the piece is finally starting to increase, I know that frustrations remain and we share them. This scandal happened over decades, under successive governments of different parties, but we all have a responsibility to do what we can to right the wrongs of the past as quickly as possible. And the opposition will support the government when it is doing the right thing to do so. I also previously raised the issue of engagement. I called on the government to further solidify ongoing consultation and communication with victims and their families.

It was disappointing to see, as laid out in Sir Brian's additional report, that sufficient progress has not yet been made on this issue, but I do welcome the government's response on this matter. I would urge the government to ensure that this engagement work is carried out rapidly and urgently. Because of victims and their families deserve real action on this. As the additional report makes clear, they have had far too many assurances is not yet enough substantial engagement. I'm pleased that the government is not taking action on some of the issues around a typical personal or health impacts and on supplementary routes, which I raised when we discussed the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations in March.

I know that it will bring it convert -- comfort to many of those that have been infected with the diseases that have infected with the diseases that have I appreciate the government is taking the mechanism grievances forward. I am certain we all hope the implementation of the recommendation and the others from the report will meet the inquiry's terms of reference on the resolution process. However, the government must ensure the mechanism is an active one, not simply a recording device.

It is incredibly important that lessons are continuing see learn from the tragedy but also important that those cases, which we know that there are a significant proportion that contained difficulties with compensation eligibility, are addressed as a matter of urgency and in all such cases, many of which will come through the new mechanism, must be considered carefully and all information on the status and the decisions made on it must be communicated clearly and frequently. Above all, it is essential that learning those lessons must not come at the cost of delaying papers to those who cannot afford to wait beyond then.

To that end, I would appreciate the clarity from the Minister on the number of personnel he expects to be tasked with the grievances mechanism and oversight structure which will be put in place over it. Will that be the advisory board being established? What what measures it is putting in place to ensure these steps are carried through and enacted efficiently and effectively. No amount of money can undo the harm that was tragically inflicted on so many. A comprehensive and effective compensation scheme can offer a lifeline to victims and their families, who have suffered for far too much for too long.
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Sarah Olney Portrait Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)
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Can I thank the Minister for his statement and we would like to pay tribute to the ongoing work of Sir Brian Langstaff and his team as they continue to investigate the appalling scandal. Liberal Democrats know that the victims of the infected blood scandal deserve compensation and they have been waiting for decades for justice and we welcome the establishment of the scheme and the commit shown by governments from both sides of the House for justice. The additional report has been talking about the pace of payments and the abject Roger to listen to victims and one Roger to listen to victims and one of these giving findings stated the victims of the scandal had not been listened to.

As reported, experts responsible for the design of the scheme were forbidden to talk to victims and families and after many years of secrecy, deceit, delays, it is unacceptable. This report has been welcomed by many victims including many of the 122 haemophiliac boys that attended the college and my honourable friend has been a powerful advocate and I thank her for her work advocating for constituents like Gary who welcome the findings of the report and are urging the government to set out clearly and in detail the timeline of compensation and I asked the Minister if he agrees it is unacceptable that victims have been consistently ignored.

When can be victims of the scandal expect implementation of the recommendations to have a formal advisory body for the authority? advisory body for the authority?
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Nick Thomas-Symonds Portrait Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Torfaen, Labour)
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In terms of the first point. As I just said, we have acknowledged Sir Brian Langstaff was my criticisms around special category mechanisms. In relation to the specific condition that he is talking about and he is referring back to Sir Robert Francis in the previous report. I'm happy to write to him on that particular detail. In terms of bringing forward the first set of regulations that I have spoken about, yes, it will be before the end of the year.

Could I thank the right Honourable gentleman for his right Honourable gentleman for his statement today. One of my statement today. One of my constituents cared for her husband who was a victim of unethical research in Edinburgh. Has now now fears that she will die before receiving recognition or redress for what she endured. Does my right what she endured. Does my right honourable friend recognise there is a real fear that carers of infected a real fear that carers of infected people will die waiting for the compensation and if so, what steps will this government take to ensure will this government take to ensure that carers reaching the end of their lives can be prioritised for compensation? She is absolutely right.

That's why I changed the scheme in respect of affected estates. Sir Brian Langstaff's recommendation was for those who sadly passed away, I have actually extended that to 2031 are precisely for the reason that my honourable friend raises. honourable friend raises.
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Stephanie Peacock Portrait Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) (Barnsley South, Labour)
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colleagues will now that this is a very time-limited debate so brevity on front and back benches please. I

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This House is considered Victory

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This House is considered Victory over Japan Day. We come together as a House and the country to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan Day. years since Victory over Japan Day. Bringing an end to fighting in the far east which will be commemorated on 15 August. On 15 August 1945, on 15 August. On 15 August 1945, King George VI delivered a speech to the nation and Commonwealth. He said the nation and Commonwealth. He said " Now we shall have to work hard to restore what has been lost, and to restore what has been lost, and to establish peace on the unshakeable establish peace on the unshakeable foundations.

" ATS on whomever the British Northern Irish and Commonwealth veterans. The second model generation who gave so much model generation who gave so much and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom and sacrifice to secure our freedom and our peace. We say thank you. VE Day 1945, marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. Thousands of World War in Europe. Thousands of British Northern Irish and Commonwealth troops continued to battle against Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific. Three months later, Trevor Japan was declared on later, Trevor Japan was declared on 15 August following the Japanese agreement to surrender unconditionally to the allies.

The Prime Minister of the day Clement Attlee gave a radio broadcast to announce the end of hostilities. Declaring " Japan has today surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low. " 80 years on, this government recognises the huge importance of commemorating this anniversary. VJ Day is a moment to reflect on the remarkable perseverance and bravery shown by those who fought or insured the war in the far east. The human cost of the Second World War was overwhelming.

Leading to death and destruction for millions of people. The dropping of two atomic bombs on Japanese cities, one on Hiroshima 6 August and the other three days later in Nagasaki resulted in enormous devastation, ending the six-year local conflicts to a rapid end. In introducing the atomic age. The end of the war brought sadness, relief, and renewed hope, families and soldiers, long separated, soon be reunited. But it will take months and much effort to bring British service personnel back home. Shortly after VE Day, we saw the liberation of Jersey and Guernsey, on 9 May, adult in 16 May.

It was a huge honour to visit Jersey this year for the 80th anniversary of the liberation Day celebrations. Their story is one of perseverance which I was grateful to hear more about when I attended a number of commemoration events on the islands. But the period of time from May 1945 through to VJ Day on August 15 of course marks one of suffering. Tens of thousands of service personnel from the UK, Northern Ireland, and the Commonwealth fought and gave their lives including thousands of Allied troops who were taken as prisoners of war and forced into hard labour.

Many Allied prisoners of war in Japanese captivity died before liberation in 1945. These individuals experienced unimaginable suffering including starvation and disease. Their memory and their sacrifice must not be forgotten. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands more are served in the far east, from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal, and East Africa in West Africa. British fleet worked in parallel with the US allies making that second model an international effort. Commemoration this year to mark VJ Day have been and will continue to be led by those with first-hand experience of the war.

We acknowledge the importance of this, as it is likely to be the last significant anniversary when veterans who served during the Second World War are present. The government is honoured to be working closely with the Royal British Legion, to put veterans front and centre of the VJ Day commemorations. I take this opportunity to thank partners who have worked with us throughout this commemoratives year, including the Royal British Legion, Imperial War Museums, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, national theatre, arts counselling limb, the Together Coalition, the big lunch, Atlantic productions, the BBC, The National Lottery Community Fund.

Officials in the DCMS, MOD, and working across government in particular with the Minister of Defence, and I'm joined by the Minister for the Armed Forces, and I've worked closely with the Noble I've worked closely with the Noble Lord Coaker whose this evening. As living history fades into the past, it is more important than ever that we listen to the stories of the remaining veterans who fought for their country in that conflict. The diverse armies that fought together for our freedom, reflects the very fabric of modern Britain.

The National commemorations will commence with a government reception to celebrate and commemorate VJ Day with veterans. On Friday 15th August, Royal British Legion will lead the nation in honouring and remembering those who fought and died during the war in the far east. With the service marking the 80 year anniversary of VJ Day. This will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. It will be broadcast live on BBC1 from midday. It will pay tribute to British, Northern Irish, Commonwealth, and Allied veterans who served in the far east theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories, with veterans in attendance, the VJ service will be a tribute to them.

Evolving 400 members of the Armed Forces and the Red Arrows. The event will feature a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. Music will be provided by military bands, the Battle of Britain Memorial flag will lead a breathtaking flypasts. The national two minute silence will be held on Friday 15th August at midday to remember and thank those who fought for our freedom. The silence will be marked by all UK government department which would also fly the Union Flag at full mast.

The government continues to support and promote a range of initiatives to commemorate the 80 anniversary of the end of the Second World War throughout the year to Remembrance Sunday and beyond. To mark VJ Day specifically, the Emporio warm you see a fullscreen as short film, "I saw the world" to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs. There is a new augmented reality spirit offering a deeper exploration of the second model in Asia and the Pacific. Children and families we welcome to site to both London and the North, to participate in a single piece.

We continue to promote a range of educational and cultural activities to help schools and communities to engage with the commemorations designed to mark both VE Day and VJ Day, including a collection of education resources, letters to loved ones, a project encouraging people to share family letters from the war to illustrate what everyday life was like. It was lovely to discover some of my grandparents letters when my grandfather was serving in the war. The next morning, a new production written by James Graham which focus on the host dreams and ambitions of young people of the second model.

The government has provided funding to support art centres, libraries, and museums across the country to the local communities to develop activities that commemorate and reflect VE Day VJ Day anniversaries. I look forward to visiting one such project in my own area taking place to hear more about their work exploring community solidarity Barnsley from the 1940s until the present day. My department has been working with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on a tour that is travelling across the UK and global site killing cemeteries in Kenya, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan.

The tour will honour and shine a light on the stories from those across the world who fought in the Second World War. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit the tour in May to see it first hand. UK landmarks, high commissions in the Commonwealth countries and prominent memorials will be lit up in white on August 15 as beacons of strength national unity, as they were a TEA

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years -- 80 years ago. We have been through the centenary of the great war which centenary of the great war which shows the difference between 80 years and 100, and of course we years and 100, and of course we still have veterans among us. When we come to the centenary of the events we are commemorating this events we are commemorating this year, that will not be the case. Would she therefore make absolutely Would she therefore make absolutely sure that it is the veterans who are centre stage during this

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commemoration? Makes a very important point. I

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Makes a very important point. I hope I have outlined how in my conservation but I can reiterate that we want veterans to be front that we want veterans to be front and centre of these commemorations. Because it is important that activity takes place across the UK with each of the devolved government with each of the devolved government marking VJ Day 18. Scottish Government will be leading a concert Government will be leading a concert at Edinburgh Castle I recently visited national war memorial.

In Northern Ireland, a charity concert will take place, and I was pleased will take place, and I was pleased to visit the area a few months ago when I was invited by the member of when I was invited by the member of Parliament. I recently visited a cemetery in Cardiff to see the work they carry out to honour the Commonwealth for. Nassau wreathlaying at the war memorial will lead a program centred on peace and reconciliation. These are just some of the events taking place across our devolved nations.

Together these events reflect a shared commitment to remembrance and recognition across the UK. Over 144 commemorations are taking place across the nation throughout August to mark VJ Day. From those I have already mentioned to services in Lichfield and Norwich Cathedral which the public are encouraged to join. We commemorate the end of the Second World War throughout this year, not only on VE Day on 8 May, or VJ Day on 15 August, but as troops returned home gradually throughout the year, and a homecoming day on 15 December.

The strength and courage of those that fought is truly unmatched. And the horror they suffered as prisoners are bought in the far east was unimaginable. Strength is what we remember about VJ veterans was the unshakeable resilience, determination, service, sacrifice, under unimaginable circumstances, and how they came together to support one another long after the war had ended. I am sure I speak for members across the House today expressing our deep gratitude. To a great Second World War generation. We come together in this House in a moment of unity today to mark 80 years since Victory over Japan Day.



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In all of those who gave more, than many of us will have to give. The question is this House has

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The question is this House has considered the Victory over Japan Day. Before I call the Shadow Minister there are too many members for me to squeeze in. There will be for me to squeeze in. There will be a sharp speaking limit of four

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a sharp speaking limit of four minutes to begin with, but please note many colleagues will be disappointed. I called Shadow Minister. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I want to start by thanking the Minister for her speech and all machine out. Of course support the government's agenda celebrating VJ government's agenda celebrating VJ Day. I also want to put on record what his religion is to open this
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Saqib Bhatti Portrait Saqib Bhatti MP (Meriden and Solihull East, Conservative)
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what his religion is to open this debate and respond on behalf of the opposition. The 80th anniversary of the end of the second model is undoubtedly a cause for huge celebration. In May the whole nation came together to celebrate the end of the war in Europe. A special day with elevations across the country including many of my own constituency. On TV when we watched the national celebrations of the family, a two and poised to particular liking to the Red Arrows. I hope in time they will begin to properly understand why we celebrate that important day and what it means.

It symbolises victory of good over evil, after nearly 6 years of unimaginable suffering the whole nation, young and old, male and female, rich and poor, coming together to fight Nazi Germany, defeat fascism and liberate Europe 80 years ago. As the nation danced into the night 80 years ago elevating the end of fighting close to home, thousands of British and, while soldiers were locked in the struggle against Imperial Japan. It took time for the fighting to end in the Far East. The campaign which began in 1941 with the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a vast campaign for the fighting took place from Hawaii, to the north-east borders of India, and from Papua New Guinea in the south to northern China on the board of the Soviet Union.

By 1945 across Asia and the Pacific, there were 365,000 British and one 5 million Commonwealth troops were deployed. Killing the largest volunteer army in history, the repartition Indian army of 2.5 million soldiers. Despite the scope of this campaign, these brave soldiers often fought in horrific conditions against the formidable enemy, and are often known as the forgotten army. To acknowledge lack reporting of this campaign and the mainstream media at the time. And yet stories of heroic actions remain. Just last night I discussed the campaign in the far east of my parents, my mum told me about one of her uncles who had been a prisoner of war in that conflict in the Far East.

My two Westminster staff members who proudly tell me staff members who proudly tell me about their relatives. The field marshal's 14th army was thought to be the most diverse in the world, over 40 languages spoken by troops who were united in one ambition, stand up and defend civilisation from barbarism and tyranny. Many people associate the fall of France in 1940s as Britain's low point in the war. But the crushing surrender of Melayu and Singapore are equally devastating. British and pre- partitioned Indians were lost, and around 130,000 were taken as prisoners of war.

The famous film "The bridge over the River choir" show the brutal conditions at those faced. It is the stark reminder of why we had to stand up and defeat Imperial Japan.

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May I say how important it is that both Front Benches and emphasised the atrocities committed against prisoners of war? It is also against prisoners of war? It is also the case that, just as we remember the Nuremberg trials, we remember the Nuremberg trials, we remember the Tokyo trials, at which many war criminals were convicted and criminals were convicted and subsequent executed. Is it not a measure of the importance of unconditional surrender that that at unconditional surrender that that at least removed the aura of divinity from the Emperor so that at least from the Emperor so that at least the fanaticism of religion was the fanaticism of religion was the fanaticism of religion was Sharon Mikey said that so eloquently and is clearly a loan at individual.

Can degree more. And while we are Can degree more. And while we are all reminded of the heroic invasion of Normandy, a 2013 poll of the British public by the National Army British public by the National Army Museum Chelsea rank the battles of Museum Chelsea rank the battles of Cain and in part as Britain's greatest ever battle. I hope we will greatest ever battle. I hope we will reflect on some of the lessons of the Second World War. Apart about the House that soldiers from all the House that soldiers from all around the Commonwealth, from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, South Africa, Africa and all of the countries and many other

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countries brought -- fought alongside British troops. I commend him for putting forward

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I commend him for putting forward and he's right the 14th Army had 40 languages spoken to give an idea of languages spoken to give an idea of the importance and the diversity. He also mentioned the two greatest battles over the Japanese, the battles over the Japanese, the greatest defeat the Japanese army greatest defeat the Japanese army had ever had. Does he agree that what we saw in the day we are commemorating is one of the greatest armies in the world doing one of the greatest battles in defeating the greatest battles in defeating the Japanese, even the soldiers and

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armies made a difference. Always a pleasure. I can agree with him any more on that either. I with him any more on that either. I thank him for that intervention. In the Far East and petit killer there the Far East and petit killer there were treats from all different faiths, Christian, Muslim, Seca, Jewish, Muslim and all others, Jewish, Muslim and all others, alongside each other and all who fought as one to defeat Japan. My wife's a grandfather I learned to receive the Indian distinguished receive the Indian distinguished service medal.

As part of the seventh Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment were moving through the Burmese coastline were suddenly surrounded by Japanese soldiers. My wise grandfather, his beauty was ordered to attack a pill so that the lead platoon could retreat. Carrying a gun, he led his men up steep slope as heavy Japanese grenades rained down on them. With a gun at his hip and despite being seriously wounded in the chest, he led the charge and drove the Japanese from the top.

He was 18, lied about his age so he could enlist so he could fight and defend our nation was wounded three times in two months. And his story of bravery and heroism whilst special was not unique. So for all those that fought against tyranny to defend democracy so that we can stand here today and the mother of all parliaments, I say thank you. And as we look at increased instability in the world we should remember those brave soldiers who fought for our liberty and freedom, and those principles and freedoms and underpainting the Atlantic Charter, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom of one and freedom from fear or matter today as they did then.

These principles set a new world order because while there are those today that seek to divide us, who try to pray on our differences, we must draw inspiration from those heroes who sacrificed everything, who gave their lives for us for a better world. They reject populism, rejected tyranny and the politics of hate. Those that fought and died in the second world war truly were our greatest generation, so I urge the Minister on top of everything else the government is doing, can she encourage her colleagues in the Department of education to ensure that those stories and lessons from the war, including the struggle against Japan are never forgotten? And I also ask the government to build on these deep-rooted relationships with our allies who stood with us then so we can then stand up to those who divide us today.

And we all sit here and reflect on the walls conclusion, I look forward to colleagues contribution so we can remind ourselves that our right to be here and percentile constituencies only possible because of the brave men and women from across the world who laid down their lives for this country. Once again I say thank you.

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Tackle the chair of the Select Committee. Thank you. 80 years ago the gums

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Thank you. 80 years ago the gums finally fell silent across the Asia-Pacific, Imperial Japan surrendered and the most devastating conflict in human history came to an end. Today we remember not just the victory but the immense courage and victory but the immense courage and sacrifice that made it possible. Just two months ago I stood in this House to mark the 80th anniversary House to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day across the
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Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Portrait Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (Slough, Labour)
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of Victory in Europe Day across the constituency. People of different backgrounds came together to reflect on that milestone but while Europe celebrated, peace in May 1945, the war raged on in the East. By then hundreds of thousands of British troops remained in combat across Asia and the Pacific, alongside the millions of Commonwealth soldiers, the largest volunteer army in history who bore the burden of war with extraordinary resolve. Their service reminds us that victory was

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alone. May ask him to mention some of the many diverse groups from across the many diverse groups from across Berkshire who are no thinking about this very difficult time including our local Nepalese and Gurkha communities?

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I thank my and were friend and Berkshire collect the member of her Reading Central for making that intervention, and he is so right in intervention, and he is so right in what he says. We must remember them, and as we mark this anniversary, we must shine a light on those who must shine a light on those who sacrifices have too often been overlooked. Their names may not appear in our history books, but appear in our history books, but their courage shaped the world that we live in.

At the time of my VE Day contributions to the House in May, it was my understanding that there were only two British-based veterans still with us who served in the still with us who served in the pre-partitioned Indian army. It is with deep regret that I inform the House today that both veterans have sadly since passed away. So would sadly since passed away. So would like to pay tribute to those both, like to pay tribute to those both, the latter a local Slough resident.

These two formidable Commonwealth ex-servicemen whom I had the honour and privilege of meeting on several occasions served with distinction and dedicated their lives to preserving the legacy of those who served. I'm sure the House will join me in sending condolences to their family and friends. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the global nature of this conflict and the enduring bonds of service. As a proud Sikh I carry this legacy personally. My great-grandfather lost a leg fighting in the First World War.

My grandmother's brother and other family numbers who served in the Second World War, and as I discussed with my staff members Isabella, Ellie and Lewis rental, their stories are echoed in families across Britain and the Commonwealth. Like the story of Patrick, one of the thousands of British and Allied prisoners of war who endured unimaginable suffering in captivity. Subjected to forced labour, starvation, and brutal treatment, many POWs did not survive. Those who did carried the physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives.

Their resilience in the face of such cruelty is a testament to the human spirit, and their sacrifice must never be forgotten. As we reflect on the past, we must also celebrate how far we have come. The United Kingdom and Japan once wartime enemies, are now very close allies. Today, we stand together in defence of peace and democracy, and as our defence committee noted with its report into its enquiry into the Global Combat Air Programme, that partnership is a cutting-edge collaboration between the UK, Japan and Italy to develop the next generation of fighter jets.

It's a powerful symbol of reconciliation and shared purpose. As veterans share their stories, during this 80th anniversary, we are reminded that remembrance must be more than ceremonial. It must inspire action. The lessons of history are clear, yet conflict persists from Ukraine to Gaza, Sudan, the Congo, and more. These are not distant tragedies. They are urging reminders of the fragility of peace, and my role as chair of the defence Select Committee I'm regularly reminded of the vital role our current brave service men and women play in keeping our country safe, and I'd like to recognise their contributions too, but recognition must be more than symbolic.

It must be matched by action and support, so in conclusion let us remember, let us reflect but above all, let us ensure that the sacrifices of the past are never in vain and the peace they secured is never taken for

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granted. Echoed the Liberal Democrat spokesperson, after which backbenchers will be on a three-

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minute speaking limit. Thank you. It's an absolute privilege to speak today as we mark the 80th anniversary of victory over. An occasion for national reflection, remembrance and reflection, remembrance and gratitude. We in the Liberal Democrats are proud that so many of Democrats are proud that so many of our colleagues have served in the Armed Forces. They served together with veterans and other personnel carry the torch from the greatest generation. Those who fought to preserve freedom and democracy in preserve freedom and democracy in the face of fascism and tyranny for some this anniversary is not just a historical milestone, a vital opportunity to honour those who served and fought and in semi cases served and fought and in semi cases made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their courage shaped the world we live in. It secured peace, secured democracy It secured peace, secured democracy and left a legacy of international cooperation that we must never take for granted. In the far east where the war continued long after peace had been declared in Europe, tens of thousands of British and thousands of British and Commonwealth troops including legendary 14th Army fought and unimaginable conditions in the unimaginable conditions in the jungles of Burma, and in the heat of Pacific islands in the face of fierce resistance.

Fighting took place over fast regions from Hawaii to India and Allied forces face disease, this constant risk of capture and heartbreak of separation. Japan nearly came 14 August after devastating losses on all sides including Hiroshima and Nagasaki first of this carries a personal residence for me as my
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Helen Maguire Portrait Helen Maguire MP (Epsom and Ewell, Liberal Democrat)
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grandfather served in Burma in the Yorkshire Regiment, part of the Yorkshire Regiment, part of the British second infantry division, Fort and the Battle of Kohima, a Fort and the Battle of Kohima, a brutal turning point in the war brutal turning point in the war pushed soldiers to their limits. Like many people fighting, he never spoke about his experience. But it spoke about his experience. But it was clear that the impact of the war stayed with him for his whole life. I remember him today with pride and honour the sacrifice of all those who served alongside him.

While we have no serving veterans who served in the Far East in my constituency of Epsom, the memory of their service lives and powerfully in our community. On VJ Day's local community. On VJ Day's local residents flooded the speed -- streets. A 30 foot bonfire built streets. A 30 foot bonfire built from bomb sites was led by the mayor and effigies of axis leaders were and effigies of axis leaders were costing the flames. Across the road, families gathered to celebrate, give thanks and remember.

And we remember still, brave men from our borough still, brave men from our borough legs Sergeant Jack, Alfred Kates who legs Sergeant Jack, Alfred Kates who died as a prisoner of war on the railway, Corporal William Murphy who fought and fell at Kohima and Corporal NALC man, a young man who died 21, all commemorated on our local war memorial and the book of remembrance in the town hall. The stories are part of our history and they deserve to be part of our nation's collective memory too.

It was brutal, captured folders -- soldiers facing inhumane treatment while many feel forgotten in the decades that followed. And in the title the forgotten army, today we remember them. We remember the soldiers from India, the Caribbean, Africa and all those from the Commonwealth who fought under the British flag. Theirs was one of the most diverse fighting forces in history, men and women from across the Empire speaking dozens of languages united by duty. A contribution should be recognised not as an afterthought but essential part of our national narrative.

And want to recognise and commend the efforts of the Commonwealth commission and the global forever more tour preserving the merits of those who served from Singapore to Kenya, Hong Kong to Thailand. The Commonwealth torch for peace is a vital symbol of remembrance we must also recommit to supporting those who serve today and those who have served. It's not acceptable that in 2025 veterans continue to fall through the cracks, struggling with mental health, homelessness or poor housing. The liver Democrats believe in a fair deal for our veterans.

Effective means action on homelessness by building 150,000 social homes every year to allow members of our society access to home. A fair deal means proper mental health support by preventing Mattel support and easy access to professional help and a fair deal means making sure veterans count by ensuring there is better recording of physical and mental health outcomes and veterans, including waiting times between. Those who have carried on the torch, current service personnel must have a fair deal. And apart the last week my liberal Democrat colleagues in the other place defeated the government to extend the Decent Homes Standard to Ministry of Defence accommodation and I hope this remains in the right Renter's Rights Bill when it returns.

It's a basic principle, if someone is winning to put their life on the line for democracy, they should at the very least have a warm safe home. The injustices faced by many Commonwealth and other overseas Armed Forces personnel and their families must also be rectified. Some are still being asked to pay thousands of fees in visa fees. They should be scrapped and no veteran family should be priced out of their place in our society. Finally we must ensure that this 80th anniversary is a living act of remembrance, that we teach our children the full story of the Blitz and the Burma railway.

In doing so we preserve the memory of those who fought and those who never came home. And pass on stories with honesty, pride and gratitude. Remembrance is not only about the past, also about the present and the future. And as threats rise again in our world we must remember why we fought and ensure we honour the

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legacy and our teachings, our words and now the deeds. Thank you. Is my privilege to join with

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Is my privilege to join with colleagues across the House in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day it's a moment Victory over Japan Day it's a moment to honour the bravery, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those both from
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Julie Minns Portrait Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)
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enduring legacy of those both from our country and allies around the world who contributed in the Pacific I have a direct personal connection to the Pacific theatre and that my uncle served as a crew man aboard the plane with Lord Mountbatten. It is Carlisle's own regiment I wish to speak about. The regiment served his country with distinction in the second model and played a vital role in the Allied Victory over Japan Day. The second, fourth, and ninth battalions of the border Regiment form part of the elite operating behind Japanese lines in Burma.

These columns were hyper mobile self-sufficient units, engaged in daring long-range jungle warfare. In East India, troops in the second and ninth battalions Joint Forces with Indian and East African nations to resist the Japanese advance. This defeat prevented a wider Japanese invasion of the Indian mainland, and is widely seen as a turning point in the campaign. The ninth battalion of the border Regiment went on to spearhead the capture of another country in March 1945. This decisive blow led to the fall of Mandalay and the liberation of Rangoon.

By May, the Japanese had all but abandoned Burma. Amidst this, there were remarkable stories of bravery from individual members of the border Regiment including Private Joseph Arnold, who single-handedly carried back two wounded soldiers when others were unable to help. In May it was my privilege to attend turning of the leaves of the regimental Chapel in Carlisle Cathedral. And to pay my own tribute to the courage and sacrifice and legacy of our fallen regiment. Add last week I held the Westminster Hall debates on the critical contrary of those who served in the RAF unarmed photographic reconnaissance units.

The four local men who served in this unit, one was Sergeant Charles Ross. While we know he served in the far east, we do not know if he lived beyond VJ Day. He remains missing in action. In closing, I wish to place on record my thanks to those men from Carlisle and North Cumbria who fought through floods, jungles, monsoons, in Burma and India. Their tenacity helped stall and eventually defeat Japanese forces. Perseverance and sacrifice will always be remembered.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. Last weekend I met with my Last weekend I met with my constituent Margaret Barbour to hear about the experience of her father about the experience of her father and look through the letters paperwork and photographs she has
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David Mundell Portrait Rt Hon David Mundell MP (Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, Conservative)
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paperwork and photographs she has kept. He was deployed in 1942 the far east. By 1942, after the fall of Singapore, he was taken prisoner by the Japanese. Thus began three years and eight months of unimaginable suffering. He was not a guest of the Imperial army as the propaganda calls it, he was their slave. He spent time in Shanghai prison in Singapore before being sent to the notorious jungle camp, now known as Taiwan. Hundreds of his fellow prisoners on that journey died.

There, along with hundreds of others, was forced to work in copper mine in horrific conditions, often up to 18 hours a day. Starved, beaten, stripped of dignity, men were tied to stakes under a burning sun, given the salted rice or left in bamboo sweat boxes without water. Every day forced to take a walk past prisoners who had been beheaded for alleged misdemeanours, and their heads placed on poles with the full military headgear still worn as the flesh around it decayed.

Jock and his colleagues were reduced to skin and bones. He was over 12 stone when captured and barely 6 stone when released. The first person to see him at the local railway station on his return burst into tears at the

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sight of him. I thank the honourable gentleman for giving way on that point. He is for giving way on that point. He is telling a very vivid story, and one which which is very similar to a former constituent of mine whose daughter leads the VJ commemorations daughter leads the VJ commemorations every year. Would he recognise it is so important to tell the stories, so so important to tell the stories, so our generation and the next generation recognise the sacrifice of these men and the experiences of of these men and the experiences of their families when they returned?

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their families when they returned? I absolutely agree. That is why this debate is so important because many of those men did not feel able many of those men did not feel able to speak about it, or they found the to speak about it, or they found the public when they returned to the UK had wanted the war over and to move had wanted the war over and to move on. It is incumbent on us to relay this experiences and that is why I want to tell the story of Jock want to tell the story of Jock tonight.

There was dysentery, and tonight. There was dysentery, and malaria in the camp. Somehow he managed to stay alive and he became managed to stay alive and he became a beacon of hope for other prisoners in the dark nights in the camp, as they sang a song, tune that lifted spirits and became so well-known that even the Gurkhas and Australians joined it. Jock never gave into bitterness but the scars he carried, both physical and emotional, virtually healed. He returned to Lockerbie, raised his family, and the life he had left behind.

And he became a major part of the annual Lockerbie. He shared his stories not to gain Timothy Buster on the truth. Do bear witness. He spoke of the Gurkhas, the bravest little men who moved like ghosts in the jungle. And he never forgot the cruel warnings prisoners were given after being potentially forced to dig their own burial pit, as if the Americans came, they would all be burned alive. As he had seen happen to Gurkhas in Singapore. Let us take this opportunity to remember not this opportunity to remember not just what Jock and his prisoners of war insured, but what they stood for.

Duty, dignity, decency. Rio Jock a man who despite everything found the strength to go on, and the men and women like him more than monuments. Let us not allow the fading of photographs or the old newspaper clippings to raise stories like his. Let us speak them aloud. Share and learn from them. When the last witnesses are gone, all that remains is what we choose to remember.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a huge honour to represent the ancient and loyal borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme in this house and all those who served our and all those who served our country, the veterans and their families to whom he owes so much. We are patriotic community, that is why are patriotic community, that is why I was honoured to attend recent opening of the veteran centre two opening of the veteran centre two weeks ago. They do wonderful work weeks ago.

They do wonderful work supporting and helping veterans. I'm grateful to the Minister for setting grateful to the Minister for setting out the support that will allow
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Adam Jogee Portrait Adam Jogee MP (Newcastle-under-Lyme, Labour)
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out the support that will allow United Kingdom to reflect remember and understand the sacrifices to me oh so much. My grandfather boarded a boat from Jamaica in 1941 to serve King and country, and to help us defeat the Nazis and to fight for the freedom and democracy that we live in today. They remain the greatest generation of Rio them so much. Every anniversary commemorating the Allies victories on VJ Day significant one. This year is even more because we mark 80 years since the end of the second or more.

And because this may be the last significant anniversary that we share with the surviving veterans of that greatest generation. We owed them a huge debt of gratitude. Those brave soldiers came from every corner of what was then the British Empire. They fought, they sacrificed, so that we can be open and free today. The efforts of those soldiers from across what is now the Commonwealth should also serve as a uniting influence on all of us today. It was in Newcastle-under- Lyme where the design of the Spitfire was born.

A different Newcastle to the one I call home, in New South Wales in Australia, saw the war come straight to their doorstep as they suffered a direct selling attack from the Japanese in June 1942. It was the 3 Squadron's of Reginald Spitfire planes would be sent to help defending the shores of Australia from October 1942. And from one Newcastle to another. As many gathered in the chamber were no I am a proud son of the Commonwealth. DJ day is important to me because of the conservation of Commonwealth countries.

How lucky are we that they served stood up to be counted. As I said in my speech to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, there is no greater tribute to the greatest generation and continue to push for a more tolerant, more respectful, more peaceful world. And how proud I as a Staffordshire MP that the Arboretum of Lichfield will lead our national commemorations as we give thanks to those who gave their lives for us.
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Gideon Amos Portrait Gideon Amos MP (Taunton and Wellington, Liberal Democrat)
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I rise simply to honour all those who served in the campaign and in Asia in World War II. That included my own father, a very young Captain Amos who served at the end of the second war after being redeployed from Europe. We also member those who died on all sides, including thousands of civilians, and how strongly those events at the end of the second of war send a message that war is what happens when politics and diplomacy fail.

Let us never forget that. And the terrible consequences for those living with war today. Others who served in the Pacific campaign to many unsung heroes of the RAF photographic reconnaissance unit. I congratulate the honourable member for Carlisle in securing the debate in Westminster Hall recently. Their courage and skill and gathers intelligence and shortens conflict and save lives. Intelligence that was as vital in the eastern as it was in the western theatre. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge those my own constituency, who served in the PRU.

Their bravery was as extraordinary as the sacrifice. Sir Eric Durston flew solo missions and captured images. He was lost over the Netherlands in 1942. And his gravestone bears the inscription " He died and never knew the England died for. " A mother's heartache at the loss of her son only 22 I imagine. Another person died and his Spitfire was shot down. And thirdly, Eric Hill also went across the Arctic, and over Germany, on missions so dangerous that one flight was over 3000 miles long and lasted more than 10 hours.

It was thought to be the longest reconnaissance operation in the entire war. He survived and went on to fulfil the dream of playing a later commentating on cricket for Somerset. So he is commemorated at the County ground. The stories remind us that everyday folk get caught up in more and do extraordinary courageous things. We oh it to those who served two remember them in their sacrifice. It is therefore a privilege last week to take part in a debate with our Northern Ireland veterans.

No veteran should ever be subject to double jeopardy, and being pursued for doing no more than they did. More recently, on Friday, and I wish to bring this to the Minister's attention, a recent veteran desperately needs help, I will write to the Minister about. He only has

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weeks to live. I would be interested if you could explain more about the veteran who me is preferred. who me is preferred.

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who me is preferred. I'm grateful. Dr X served 25 years in the Royal Army medical years in the Royal Army medical Corps. He transferred the NHS less than two is ago. He has been given a prognosis that the only has weeks to prognosis that the only has weeks to live. And will lose his death benefits because he has only been benefits because he has only been with the transferred position for less than two years. I have written to the Secretary of State for to the Secretary of State for defence today sent the letter to his office.

I hope ministers will be able to look urgently at his case. I able to look urgently at his case. I am grateful to the honourable Member. Finally, those who served in Member. Finally, those who served in World War II, pilots to the PRU who flew in silence were part of the flew in silence were part of the greatest generation for top voices may increasingly be silenced but the legacy speaks volumes.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. In February 1942, Singapore fell to the forces of the Japanese Empire. Nearly 85,000 British Indian Australian and belay soldiers were captured. One of those many thousands was Major Paul Robinson, a Sherwood Forest who was taken to
21:15
Adam Thompson Portrait Adam Thompson MP (Erewash, Labour)
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join the hundreds of thousands of prisoners of war, and all the while prisoners of war, and all the while his wife waited at home without a single word about a husband. single word about a husband. September 1944, 49 British prisoners of war were rescued by the Americans. Paula sadly not among them but two foresters who knew him them but two foresters who knew him well. On return to England his wife well. On return to England his wife interviewed them.

The men believed one day the war would be over, they would be free and that fascism would would be free and that fascism would be defeated. She reported what she had learnt and wrote a letter to the daily express. What followed was daily express. What followed was extraordinary. In response, she received more than 5000 letters from the families of soldiers far away. Cello distraught wives of prisoners Cello distraught wives of prisoners of war and those who just wish to express their sympathy and admiration. More than 2000 of these admiration.

More than 2000 of these letters are now preserved at Erewash Museum in a permanent exhibition Museum in a permanent exhibition entitled " Letters of hope. " Paul returns to Ilkeston in September 1945 and died there in 1997 887. His 1945 and died there in 1997 887. His wife passed away in 2008. Thanks to a daughter, Penny, denoting elected in 2015, their memory and incredible stories remember. Additionally, I would like to member another Ilkeston man, Donna Rose, died on 11 July this year.

At 110, he was not just my most senior constituent, but for just over six months, use our nation's most senior citizen. Donald was a veteran of the Second World War. Donald fought fascists in the deserts of North Africa and in the invasion of Sicily. He landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, and helped liberate France from Nazi tyranny. He saw with his own eyes the gravest evil of all, when he entered the concentration camp met by 60,000 sick and starving prisoners.

The bodies of 30,000 prisoners. The bodies of 30,000 He was a hero and I know I speak for everyone of my constituents when I state we will all miss him and we will remember him. Eight years on we must remember all of these stories. The grandest deeds of courage and brilliance, the darkest acts of destruction and depravity and the smallest expressions of love and hope. It's been an honour on this anniversary to share these stories with the House, and I hope that we will all continue to do so for many years to come.



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On 8 May 1945 at 3 PM, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a radio announcement that Germany surrendered and the war in Europe came to an end. In towns and cities across the nation gathered in their communities to remember those they
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Ben Spencer Portrait Dr Ben Spencer MP (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
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communities to remember those they had lost and for so many that the war in Europe was over. But at the same time half a world away thousands of British Commonwealth and Allied forces were still involved in bitter fighting in Japan and the Pacific. The conflict in Asia presented different and in many cases uniquely harrowing challenges. Troops fought in jungle trenched by monsoons, on snowy hills and the scorching tropical heat. Reasons of war faced the harshest conditions of brutality, disease and mount Russian.

And sadly by 8 May is taught and committed across the country, too many are unaware of the sacrifice and conflict in Asia. The 14th Army, which fought in the campaign in the Pacific is called the forgotten army, and today in the face of regional and conflict, as we once again face threats from powers increasingly hostile to our values and way of life, is more important than ever that we remember them. In the Spencer family the army of Burma is hardly forgotten.

My grandfather was a fight in Burma and what he resisted talking much about his experiences, it's clear what he did talk about the incredible sacrifices he and his fellow men made for our country. The expenses of the war lived on with him not just in memory but his health. He was medically evacuated back to UK suffering from tropical disease, like many of us -- malnourished and incredibly under way. Back in the UK he was treated with cigarettes, which we now know isn't helpful.

And tonic, which were unhelpful. -- While helpful he can seem so much damaged his hearing and continue to have relapses of mayoral area throughout his life. He died before I was an elected MP but I'm proud to pay should be to him and all who fought for our freedoms. It's clear that while the forgotten army may have been forgotten, certainly displays this evening it is not forgotten. And I'm grateful each and every day for the freedoms we enjoy in this country.

Freedom secured because of the bravery and sacrifices made by those young men who fought and died in defence of our country and our way of life. And those who played vital roles home to make the war effort possible. There sacrifice, then legacy is our ability to have this debate this ability to have this debate this

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evening. We will remember them. I'm truly thankful to be called

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I'm truly thankful to be called to speak today. In three weeks we will remember as a nation the end of the Second World War and a deliverance of peace from that bloodiest conflict. In this House bloodiest conflict. In this House too we remember the terrible scale and depth of human suffering, the and depth of human suffering, the more than 50 million civilians killed, serving personnel who risk their lives at home and abroad, their lives at home and abroad, those who gave their lives and those who came home forever changed what they endured.

The instrument of surrender was signed on 2 September 1945, a young seaman of the Royal navy was present. In the space of just a year, that teenager had just a year, that teenager had already faced down the terror of kamikaze pilots and rescued sailors kamikaze pilots and rescued sailors from submerged explosives. He later said that you were in that situation and you did what you had to do and you did what you had to do whatever the circumstances. I went in a boy and came out a man.

My constituent Ken, a witness to the momentous events that shaped our momentous events that shaped our world today is still telling his story at the age of 98. I pay tribute to remarkable life well tribute to remarkable life well lived. As the guns fell silent, the world learned the true extent of the cruelty that the Imperial Japanese state had inflicted upon its prisoners of war. In Birmingham, work continues to this day to preserve the memory of those British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who were captured.

After the war, many Far East prisoners of war associations were created and Birmingham's is one of the few that is still in operation today. The Birmingham Association of Far East prisoners of War has produced a VJ 80 badge, expertly manufactured by Thomas factory near Ltd in the jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. It picks a Commonwealth torch, flame everlasting, and I'm proud to wear it in this House tonight. In preparation for this debate ITS the secretary of the Association, a constituent whose father was a POW in the Far East, what words it would be appropriate to read into record to commemorate him, his comrades and all others representing? She replied with this, to remember them is to honour them.

As the war fades from direct memory, it is important to say here as we will shortly come across the nation, we remember the war and its end. We remember those who served and we remember those who now are gone. We will endeavour to preserve and pass on those memories to our children and grandchildren and onwards to the encounter generations that are yet to come. They will not be forgotten. We honour them by remembering them. I'm truly grateful to those who have made this debate possible and for the funding put in place so we can mark the VJ 80 anniversary

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appropriately. For the avoidance of doubt this place comes from a place of deep place comes from a place of deep appreciation for post-war Japan. The enrichment is given so many of us through its automotive and technological innovations and through global, cultural phenomena
21:24
Laurence Turner Portrait Laurence Turner MP (Birmingham Northfield, Labour)
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through global, cultural phenomena such as Godzilla, it is starkly different from the Japan fought by our greatest generation. Less than a decade after the nuclear attacks on horror shimmer and Nagasaki my courage and legacy, Godzilla was created as a metaphor for nuclear weapons and the destructive power, but 2023 is Godzilla -1, was also a metaphor for national guilt. Everything we love about Japan today, he has never undertaken societal reckoning with its past they did Germany following the fall of the Nazis.

Across Germany stand the horrifying relics of the the horrifying relics of the Holocaust. In Hiroshima the A-bomb Dome is a memorial for the victims. It's hard to find an open recognition for its atrocities against civilians such as by unit 731. In 1936 under the direction of senior army sergeant, Japan focused on making disease a silent ally through human experiments and the study of biological and chemical weapons. Prisoners were kidnapped men and women including pregnant women, children and even babies born of rape by staff within the compound of the included political prisoners and anybody who had expressed to any degree and Japanese sentiment.

Victims were predominately Chinese but included a significant minority of Russians. Experiments include the consistent blood withdrawal half a litre a day every two or three days until death. Some prisoners suffered, frozen to death and experiments into frostbite or had limbs frozen and then shattered. Vivisection is regularly carried out to harvest organs from life victims, including pregnant women who had been exposed to diseases and bacteria, sometimes under the guise of vaccinations. Tens and thousands more were killed through engineered epidemics with pathogens dropped over Chinese cities by Japanese aircraft.

The context in this coming anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, yes letters consider the path which led to war and review the actions which led to its conclusions, yes letters remain the conclusions, yes letters remain the terrible loss of life bombing, firebombing and atomic bombing of Japan, but we are at our finest generation that we do so in their full context. Perhaps someday our Japanese friends can finally lay

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Godzilla to rest. Today in Parliament it's an

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Today in Parliament it's an honour to rise to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a day when anniversary of VJ Day, a day when the guns finally fell silent and the Second World War came to its end. Portsmouth has been the beating heart of Britain's naval power for heart of Britain's naval power for over 500 years, and its role was crucial in the Pacific campaign that led to VJ Day. Victory in the Pacific was hard-won and reports of Pacific was hard-won and reports of docs, Royal Navy ships sailed docs, Royal Navy ships sailed thousands of miles to fight.

The Navy was deploying significant forces to the Indian and Pacific. By forces to the Indian and Pacific. By 1945 the British Pacific Fleet was the largest and most powerful fleet Britain had ever assembled, comprising four battleships, six comprising four battleships, six fleet carriers, 15 small carriers
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Amanda Martin Portrait Amanda Martin MP (Portsmouth North, Labour)
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fleet carriers, 15 small carriers and over 750 aircrafts. All supplied, maintained and many built in Portsmouth and other British shipyards. The fleet comprised thousands of personnel, sailors, aircrew, Marines and support staff who fought in the sweltering heat of the Indian Ocean and whether the typing of the Pacific. But many never returned. Portsmouth Naval base worked around the clock preparing ships for service, the barracks housed thousands and treated thousands of men bound for the Far East, and local shipyards built the frigates provided essential.

The entire city from the dock while -- dock workers were essential. Yum! Those who died in battle, thousands suffered disease, winds and psychological trauma. Yet their sacrifice was not in vain for top when Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945, it marked the end of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. The Royal Navy had played its part in bringing about victory that would reshape the world, establish the principles of international law and create the foundations of decades of peace and prosperity.

The lessons of VJ Day remain so very relevant today for the victory achieved not through the efforts of any single nation but through alliances and cooperation. In today as we face new challenges in an uncertain world, the examples of those who serve in the Pacific main inspirational. I'd like to mention the Royal Navy ships you have served since, HMS darling, HMS Argyll, HMS Albion, HMS Sutherland, HMS Tema and HMS way, and of course HMS Prince of Wales who was en route there is a special deployment as operation high mast.

To all veterans and serving personnel I would like to say thank you. But finally, I would like to reflect and page tribute to two individuals, private Georgia Gould from North end. Both captured and died as prisoners of war. Making the ultimate sacrifice. And in my city's role in VJ Day, we note that history is not made of distance figures but by serving personnel from my city and by communities like mine who came together for a common cause.

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The homefront was an unrelenting struggle, and the European theatre was the most mechanised slaughter was the most mechanised slaughter ever witnessed on the continent. But the brutal fighting of the Japanese the brutal fighting of the Japanese was incomparable. Young men would have heard the tales of ferocious fighting on the ground, kamikaze attacks from the air, barbaric treatment of Allied prisoners of war treatment of Allied prisoners of war upon victory in battle. And mass suicides forced upon Japanese civilians upon defeat in battle.

These harrowing tales did not faze
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Andrew Rosindell Portrait Andrew Rosindell MP (Romford, Conservative)
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the good old men of East London or Essex, or for that matter the millions of brave British Indian and Commonwealth soldiers who volunteered. Over the course of British involvement, loyal subjects of the Crown left their families, friends and native soil, sailing to the Far East to defend their empire. Many of these brave men were from England and many were from Essex. And I especially remember the south-west Essex Burma Star Association that matter the Romford United services club, and I was honoured to be given honorary membership of the club by those old and bold veterans who I was proud to meet and invite them to Parliament in my early years as an MP.

Their memory and those who served in the Far East will never be forgotten. The over 90,000 servicemen, this was only ever destined to be A1 journey hand-in-hand with our American allies across the pond. These gallant men fought to ensure the end of one of the most brutal and oppressive imperial powers and reign of terror on its neighbours, to end that reign of terror and to ensure that freedom and democracy The Imperial Japanese Army fully intended to force an Allied invasion of the Japanese homeland which would have led to untold casualties on both sides.

That was averted. Often referred to as the forgotten army, the soldiers of the Pacific theatre were the greatest of the greatest generation. Their loyal service, valiant fighting bring victory home and secured us peace that has lasted

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for decades. Would he agree the inspirational

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Would he agree the inspirational commander was one of the greatest generals of World War II and his generals of World War II and his book about how he did it was one of the greatest books ever written about the Second World War full stop would he agree?

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would he agree? He was one of the greatest British heroes and we remember him today. Their loyal service and today. Their loyal service and valiant fighting did bring victory valiant fighting did bring victory home and secured us peace. It has lasted for decades. Between the Second World War enabled thriving Commonwealth nations, global Commonwealth nations, global economic growth, spread of democracy, freedom, guarantees of democracy, freedom, guarantees of freedom that we so treasured today here in Britain. These achievements are what our service men fought for are what our service men fought for and we oh it to their memory to celebrate, preserve, and advance them at every opportunity as they them at every opportunity as they did for King, country, Commonwealth.



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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is an honour to speak today, as we approach this incredible important anniversary. Today is the day to celebrate victory and democracy. And freedom over fascism. But also a day to remember all those who lost their lives. Those who were taken prisoner or suffered. I believe the most important thing we can do to honour their memory is to ensure that we never again return to the politics of fascism because, while VJ Day marks the end of the war, today fascist politics is on the rise.

All over the world, and we must never allow ourselves to be complacent. Or to think that our
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Lorraine Beavers Portrait Lorraine Beavers MP (Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Labour)
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world is immune. My community has had its own story to tell about VJ had its own story to tell about VJ Day. The names are remembered and are listed on a roll of honour at St are listed on a roll of honour at St John's Church in Blackpool. One of my constituents wrote to me the my constituents wrote to me the story of her grandad who, on 15 February 1942, along with many other February 1942, along with many other men, was captured and taken to notorious Shanghai prison camp.

He was made to walk from Singapore to Burma via Thailand. This was to work on the notorious death railway for the Japanese, a 400 mile forced march. The last 100 miles in his march. The last 100 miles in his bare feet. It is said that one man died for every sleeper laid. Harold died for every sleeper laid. Harold was released from prison on 2 September 1945 and put on a ship for September 1945 and put on a ship for Rangoon, Burma.

The purpose of the Rangoon, Burma. The purpose of the trip was to rehabilitate him and many other ex-prisoners who were all many other ex-prisoners who were all extremely thin and needed to gain weight urgently. On arrival home, after a journey of three months, he weighed six stone 5 pounds. Heaven only knows what he weighed on the release from Shanghai. Harold's granddaughter, said he was the gentlest of men. Harold's story is a story of so many men across the country.

While Harold survived many more died. When he starved to death and died from cholera, area, and dysentery. They are the men whose suffering we must remember. Their brutal treatment at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army service a reminder to all of us as to the horrors of war. And strengthen our resolve to build a peaceful world. Their suffering did not end when the war ended. They spent their lives suffering from PTSD. Limbs lost in the long-term complications.

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I feel very moved to intervene on my friend because she made such a my friend because she made such a powerful speech. I know how much swimming to constituents. Would you swimming to constituents. Would you agree that for me my grandfather had agree that for me my grandfather had scars over his body, but long lasting trauma that these veterans faced lived with them throughout faced lived with them throughout their lives, and do not recognise enough. I want to put that on the record in this debate.



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record in this debate. I thank her for the intervention. I agree with the analysis of what I agree with the analysis of what happened. My schoolfriends dad suffered from the rest of his life suffered from the rest of his life for the ordeals he had in the camps. for the ordeals he had in the camps. So Madam Deputy Speaker, as we approach the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and the celebrations that will Day, and the celebrations that will come, these stories must be constantly told.

Remember the constantly told. Remember the Blackpool regiment and everyone who sacrificed their lives for our

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country. It is through our veterans that
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Jack Rankin Portrait Jack Rankin MP (Windsor, Conservative)
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our collective memory of the Second World War is best preserved. It is important that a new generation, my important that a new generation, my generation, commits to retelling their stories. As a schoolboy at one their stories. As a schoolboy at one of the pieces of work that has stuck of the pieces of work that has stuck with me the most was a project, it is impossible to think of 25% of young men who fought in the First young men who fought in the First World War.

It is 55 full Wembley Stadium. But the man behind the name Stadium. But the man behind the name project was so powerful. The general point being go and pick a name and a local senator. For me that was the local senator. For me that was the name I passed on the way to history lesson. Choose a name and research lesson. Choose a name and research that man. Because when you learn about that young man, where he was born, his sweetheart, his jobs, his born, his sweetheart, his jobs, his kids, not to do similar in age to yourself, you realise it is not an yourself, you realise it is not an abstract number but 5 million young men with their own lives.

It hits men with their own lives. It hits home. The man by the name for me was Benjamin Ford, my great great grandfather. He died in Mesopotamia grandfather. He died in Mesopotamia fighting Ottomans. What struck me was I heard a lot about the Western was I heard a lot about the Western front but little to nothing about the other front were men like Benjamin died for King and country. It rather strikes me that the Pacific front in the Second World War is often similarly overlooked.

And so today's debate is important for highlighting those men who fought and died in the far east. And particularly those fighting after VE Day had passed. Just this weekend I was speaking to a former local headmistress and saw what of civic society, about her father. I want to take the opportunity to highlight the man behind that name. He passed in August 2016 aged 92. He came from a family with a trip proud traditional national service. In the First World War is a regimental sergeant major as part of the Canadian Imperial forces.

And in the Second World War he was a radar engineer and operator. He spent time hopping from ship to ship, making repairs to essential equipment. Unlike 306 to 5000 other British troops, found himself thousands of miles away in the Pacific. Unable to share his precise location with his family, he kept drawing to the local culture and people he met on postcards which he sent to his parents. He did not discuss his service though he did feel that VE Day commemorations continued to draw national attention, but VJ Day came and went almost as an afterthought.

I would gently say to ministers that he sometimes feels the case on the 80th anniversary, and that is regrettable. Yet Victory over Japan Day, marks the true end of this conflict, and no less was the sacrifice who gave their lives there. Select us all in this House

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play our part so that these stories, as they come down from generation to generation are in no way... Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. When we mark VJ Day, victory over
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Alex Baker Portrait Alex Baker MP (Aldershot, Labour)
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When we mark VJ Day, victory over Japan, we mark the end of the second model. Far East campaign saw some of the harshest conditions in the whole war, searing heat and a determined enemy. It also saw act of extraordinary courage and enduring suffering particularly amongst those taken prisoner and subjected to forced labour. I want to be tribute to my own great uncle who was one of those men. The men and women shared too little recognition but they deserve our greatest respect.

As Member of Parliament for Aldershot, I was proud to be tribute to the greatest generation of my constituency, and Farnborough and Aldershot, towns that have served as home to the British Army and home of the Royal aircraft Establishment. But today, I want to pay tribute to one group whose contribution in the far east deserves particular tribute, it is a proud tribute for me to give as chair of the APPG for the poor, the Gurkhas. Over 112,000 Gurkhas served in the Second World War, more than 1/4 of them fought in the far east campaign.

In Burma they became legendary stop skilled in jungle warfare, trusted by British commanders, and feared by the enemy. Of the finest examples of their courage is someone who in May 1945 during a battle in Burma, had three enemy raised holding his tread. He held back two, the third explosion in his hands blowing off his fingers and blind in one eye. But for four hours alone, one-handed, he held the line, firing his rifle and calling out " Come and fight a Gurkha.

" When relief came, 31 enemy soldiers lay dead around his post, his platoon had survived. That story is more than legend. It is a living history for my constituency. Today Aldershot is home to the largest Nepalese community in the UK. Some of those descendants of those who serve. Their presence is not just a legacy of war, the living part of our society and our future. VJ Day matters to them, it matters to all of us. So today, as we mark the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, we say once more, to the soldiers who trained and fought through jungle and monsoon, the engineers in Farnborough whose innovation helped bring victory

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within reach,... Is a member Parliament to benefit

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Is a member Parliament to benefit from admissions of 300 or 400 Gurkhas, I'm enjoying the rest of

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her speech. To the engineers and Farnborough whose innovation helped bring whose innovation helped bring victory within reach. The Gurkhas whose courage lit up the darkness of war. The prisoners who ensured, the war. The prisoners who ensured, the families waited, and the loved ones families waited, and the loved ones who never came home. Remember, we honour, we give thanks and we will never forget.

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never forget. We have another company to call the Front Benchers. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. It is a great privilege to be called to respond to today's debate was I'm grateful to all colleagues for their grateful to all colleagues for their contributions. As many have said, the Pacific campaign of World War II sometimes in fact often referred to
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James Cartlidge Portrait James Cartlidge MP (South Suffolk, Conservative)
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sometimes in fact often referred to as the forgotten war. But that is far from the case today, as remember the epic and brutal theatre of operations in Parliament honouring all of those who served in reflecting on the terrible loss of human life, both military and civilian. It was certainly not been forgotten war this summer, as our nation joins in the commemorations. As was frequently remarked we debated the anniversary of VE Day on 6 May, such events to mark VE day will be even more poignant and important because the living link to that time is passing.

A living link sustained through so many family connections we have heard about today.

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Just because the contribution of Northern Ireland has not been mentioned, an MP in this house 1979 to 1983 as a member of the party, an inspiration to me as a young boy. And the sergeant major who was in And the sergeant major who was in the Belfast battalion, and came back the Belfast battalion, and came back in 1945. Just two of arms of the countries of Northern Ireland to the

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Far East. I agree with him for I was make the effort of recognising confirmation of the whole the union confirmation of the whole the union to our Armed Forces, on all fronts to our Armed Forces, on all fronts in the Second World War. Many colleagues are spoken about, I was colleagues are spoken about, I was moved by the honourable Lady for the Liberal Democrats spoke about her grandfather his service. It was a key battle in the Burma can and from which we get the epitaph which we all know " When you go home, tell them of us and save your tomorrow we them of us and save your tomorrow we gave our today's.

" It was your gentleman for Dumfries we are gentleman for Dumfries we are grateful to for bringing forward this debate. Through the Backbench Business Committee. He spoke so vividly of the horror of enslavement of POWs, and the scars that never I was proud to be part of this as a minister at the MoD, we have a strong relationship with Japan through Chico, indeed with Italy you are part of the axis powers in Europe, and so we enjoy brighter relations now, even in the honourable gentleman did point out that perhaps some in Japanese society hadn't fully come to terms with what happened in the Second World War.

My honourable friend the Romford spoke very movingly about the Burma Star Association, the honourable gentleman for Newcastle- under-Lyme importantly stressed the role that our veterans groups will have in these festivities in the coming weeks as we remember VJ Day. The members spoke about veterans in Northern Ireland for the bid remains important we hope for him speech if legislation comes forward they will be voting in the appropriate way to standby our veterans. The honourable gentleman Ferrer wash in an excellent speech spoke very movingly of a think it was Donald Rose, 110 years old, at one point the oldest person in the country, and extraordinarily brave tail and dip grateful for him sharing that with us.

The honourable gentleman felt running bridge in Weybridge -- Runnymede & Weybridge, the long range penetration group, he reminded us of the ravages of disease, the scorch of our forces in many ways. In that case malaria but also dysentery which we heard from the honourable lady and many other horrors out there in the jungle fighting. The honourable gentleman for Birmingham Northfield spoke about the Birmingham Association the Far East prisoners of war, reminding us of Cicero -- civic society's role in helping POWs come to terms with the horrors they experience in the Far East.

We had a number of colleagues speak about specific elements of Armed Forces and the service, the honourable lady for Carlisle spoke movingly about the border Regiment, about how she described them fighting through monsoons, it was an extraordinary record. The honourable lady for Portsmouth North very proudly speaking about the Royal Navy, of course very proud to have a naval constituency. She is absolute right to stress the extremely important role of the British Pacific Fleet, and in fact I believe played a crucial role in the final months in the US forces home my heading for the home island using our fleet to enable that military progress, which was incredibly important.

The honourable gentleman for Blackpool... Lady Ford Blackpool North and Fleetwood spoke of the horror of the Burma railway and many horror of the Burma railway and many of us have heard of this. I do great uncle involved and would never speak of it, so shocking was the reality, and despite being such a gentleman and particularly spoke about how

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emaciated the survivors were and how he died of starvation. With the honourable gentleman

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With the honourable gentleman agree with me that for many of those agree with me that for many of those veterans, when they came back, the veterans, when they came back, the point where they were remembered and relived their expenses were later on in their lives as they succumbed to in their lives as they succumbed to dementia, and the horrors they then have to go through and relive the horrors of the war experiences at that time?

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that time? She makes Nixon point. We know the war leaves lasting trauma, PTSD the war leaves lasting trauma, PTSD and someone but perhaps particularly and in the case of my family member, so harrowing he would never talk about it ever again for the rest of his life. She makes a very good point. Finally we heard many in the VE Day debate talk about the role of other countries and supporting our other countries and supporting our forces. That's particularly true in the Far East.

The chair of the the Far East. The chair of the Select Committee and particularly the honourable member of Aldershot speaking about the Gurkhas reminded us we had a multinational force. It was an extraordinary force including was an extraordinary force including fringe six 5,000 British, half million Commonwealth troops and the pre-partition Indian army of 2.5 pre-partition Indian army of 2.5 million soldiers and an extraordinarily diverse army, so to conclude, VJ Day was not just the end of the in the Pacific but in effect the end of the war of World War II itself, formally confirm on the day.

It was estimated between 70 and 80 million people died and of and 80 million people died and of which the majority were civilians. As our direct living link fades with those who served eight years ago is right that in this House we play our part in commemorating this historic anniversary, publicly honouring the memory of all who served quite simply, we say thank you. We will always remember them.

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I now call the Minister.

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I now call the Minister. Thank you. And it's a particular privilege to close this debate that
21:51
Luke Pollard Portrait Luke Pollard MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Labour )
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privilege to close this debate that has seen such a strong and united House say thank you to those people who served in the Pacific theatre in the Second World War, to remember those family members, a number of members have recalled, but also all those who stood up to serve to defend our values and to ensure the freedom we have today. I'm grateful for my honourable friend the culture minister who is responsible for ceremonials for opening this debate, and for setting out very clearly how the nation will mark VJ Day on 15 August.

It's an opportunity for all our communities in every part of the United Kingdom to tell the stories that members have today been sharing with the House. To tell the stories of the sacrifice of the Courage, of the ordinary folks doing extraordinary things. Which is so important for keeping those stories going today.

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Thank you. I'd like to pay tribute to my constituents Ali hedges, Greenwood's father Lance Sergeant Frank Jeremy hairdos who Sergeant Frank Jeremy hairdos who served in the 135th Field Regiment. He was captured at the full of Singapore and served on the infamous Singapore and served on the infamous Burma railway. The families like those, they feel that while the country celebrates every year, their families feel forgotten. So does he agree with me that these VJ celebrations will give those men and

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celebrations will give those men and women and their families the honour they deserve? I thank her for her intervention and to remember to thank Jeremy hedges in her remarks. It's hedges in her remarks. It's important that we remember all those who served in every part of the Second World War, just as we remember all those who lost their lives, he went to war and came back lives, he went to war and came back forever changed who served in the European theatres, we must do so for all those who served in the Far East across the Pacific and the Indian Ocean and further afield as well.

We Ocean and further afield as well. We tell their stories with pride to

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their sacrifices live on stop Whilst we celebrate VJ Day as we

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Whilst we celebrate VJ Day as we should, on 19 August as he agree with me that we should encourage schools to mark that when the term returns back so young people remember the sacrifice that so many did and the stories of so many of

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those valiant veterans and Armed Forces personnel? I thank him for that remark and

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I thank him for that remark and also it gives me an opportunity to inform the House that there are resources available for our schools. resources available for our schools. Our shared story is a resource Our shared story is a resource available to schools to tell a story and do so in an age-appropriate way for the young people so grateful for for the young people so grateful for him raising that here today. Eight years may have passed since VJ Day, years may have passed since VJ Day, but that can never diminish the triumphs of that extraordinary World War II generation, the greatest War II generation, the greatest generation.

Not the unimaginable sacrifices they made to secure a legacy of peace and freedom, and legacy of peace and freedom, and when we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we will anniversary of VJ Day, we will particularly commend the British and Commonwealth heroes who fought across the Indo Pacific, those who fell on the battlefield, those who fell on the battlefield, those who endured some of the most hostile combat environments in the history of warfare, those who were sunk on of warfare, those who were sunk on ships in oceans far from home.

Those who suffered terribly in prison who suffered terribly in prison camps or enforced labour construction projects. Those who continued fighting the Far East for continued fighting the Far East for another three months after VE Day, and those few surviving veterans of the campaign he was still with us today. We are eternally grateful to everyone of them, and let the united message from this House go out, thank you for their service. Remembrance is not passive. Our duty does not end with the words, and requires action.

And as we've heard in this debate there will be events across the nation inviting people to take a moment out of their day to remember those people who served, just as we did for VE Day, we must

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do for VJ Day as well. Does he agree that of course it

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Does he agree that of course it

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Does he agree that of course it was Victory over Japan Day but the Second World War was victory over fascism, over those who trampled on human rights, democracy and freedom, human rights, democracy and freedom, and Japan once an enemy is now an ally, defending the values of civilisation alongside our forces? So they further agree that when Mike So they further agree that when Mike inserts -- when my constituents like inserts -- when my constituents like a beacon, it's a beacon of hope in a

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a beacon, it's a beacon of hope in a troubled world and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who sacrifices made this possible. It was a theme picked up by a

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It was a theme picked up by a number of colleagues that old adversaries can become good friends. And I think at a time when there is And I think at a time when there is rising tensions and conflicts in the world, it's worth remembering that world, it's worth remembering that eight years on from VE and VJ Day, eight years on from VE and VJ Day, those nations who we were at war with, all those decades ago are now nations who stand alongside us with shared values and a shared outlook on the world.

A really important message to send. In the moments left message to send. In the moments left me, can I just mention a few of the speeches that we've heard today? Particularly grateful for my honourable friend from Portsmouth North, and as the MP for the other shipyard as she described Devonport in the debates, let me say how pleased I was that she mentioned the sacrifice of the Royal Navy and all those who served in our Pacific fleet? And thank particularly those brave sailors who served on HMS Wales, a lecturer that went down in the East Java Sea and those shipwrecks are war graves.

And although we can't see them in the same way as you can the rows of headstones on the D-Day beaches in the cemeteries there, they are nonetheless important and we preserve them, protect them and tell the story of those who served. Grateful for all those who spoke about the importance of the Commonwealth forces in the debate as well, including my honourable friend from Newcastle-under-Lyme who spoke about his grandfather who served. Indeed a number of those debates talked about their family members who served.

The Member for Meriden and Solihull East in particular, the member of the Carlisle, the member for Taunton and Wellington, and I have to say I did find his remark that said everyday folk who get caught up in war and do extraordinary things to be exactly right and the stories we must tell. The member from Erewash you spoke about Don Groves I think did so with power and the Member for Runnymede & Weybridge who spoke to his family member who fought in Burma, the member for Birmingham Northfield to put Ken Tinkler on the record and he was right to do so.

The Member for Tewkesbury who spoke about the stories of evil that were prosecuted in war I think is also right to put that on the record. Member from Romford who spoke about the important contusion of members from his constituency and Blackpool North and Fleetwood who spoke about how it rose and the death Railway, and I think that's a very powerful story that will be told often as we approach VJ Day itself. And grateful to the member from Lancaster and we are who spoke about her ring grandfather who was awarded the Burma Star.

The Member for Windsor who think powerfully invited not just the member of the House but all those watching to choose a name on a war memorial to find out the stories behind those names and why they matter and why this story continues to be told. As well as mentioning Charles Melling and the member of Aldershot who spoke not only passionately about the Gurkhas, the tenant she is very proud to represent but also about Frank Bell, the prisoner of war. It's so important that in this debate we remember all those who served in our forces but also remember the civilians who died in the conflict, many of whom will not have names on war memorials, equally remember all those who died in Hiroshima and Nagasaki when the atomic bombs were dropped that brought the war to a close.

And in the moments that are left me now, I think I'd like to join the Shadow Defence Secretary who spoke so well about the debate and to echo the words of John Maxwell Edmonds, the Kohima epitaph, when you go home, tell them of us

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and save your tomorrow we gave our today. The question is that this House

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The question is that this House has considered the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. As many as are of that opinion say, "Aye." as are of that opinion say, "Aye." Of the contrary, "No." The ayes have it, the ayes have it. That is the end of that debate. The frontbenchers quickly want to

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Petition Petition Cat Petition Cat Smith.

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Petition Cat Smith. I rise to present a petition on behalf of my constituents in Lancaster and Wyre, specifically those constituents who are members of the UCG Unite and Unison trade unions who my reasoning met and draw the houses attention to my register of members interests. My constituents are concerned about potential job losses at Lancaster University and therefore request the University and therefore request the House of Commons urge the government to take immediate action to ensure universities are supported to ensure security of employment for staff and a high quality learning experience for students and the petitioners for students and the petitioners

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Petition redundancies at

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Lancaster University. Petition Liam Byrne. I rise to present this petition

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I rise to present this petition in behalf of my constituency. The course for Solihull Council to take course for Solihull Council to take action and increase numbers of parking violations taking place around Castle Bromwich Infant School
22:01
22:03
None Portrait Adjournment: Homes for Ukraine and the Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme
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Question is this House do now adjourn. I caught Martin Wrigley on votes for Ukraine and the Ukraine

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commission extension scheme. Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker.

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Thank you Madam Deputy Speaker. I'm grateful to have secured this debate on the Homes for Ukraine and the Homes for Ukraine extension scheme. The full-scale invasion of scheme. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin's Russia started on 24th of February 2022. Eight years 24th of February 2022. Eight years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine 2014. Now in its fourth Ukraine 2014. Now in its fourth year, this awful war has seen some 7 million people of the Ukrainian population of 45 seek sanctuary population of 45 seek sanctuary outside the war zone.

It is more outside the war zone. It is more than 15% of the population. Just than 15% of the population. Just under 270,000 visas on the Homes for Ukraine scheme have been issued to Ukrainian guests in the UK. Of whom 2399 in Devon. Initially offering a three year duration, the Homes for Ukraine scheme was extended by another 18 months under the Ukraine commission extension scheme since February 2025. That means with missiles and drones falling in record numbers on the cities of Ukraine, our guest to have integrated in society, taken jobs, rented flats, paid taxes, is starting to face less than 12 months left in the visas.

That makes it hard if not impossible to rent new flats. Or get a new job. Some basic facts are where we are today. New arrivals now only get 18 months to stay. The visa gives a special status to Ukrainian guests. They do not have refugee status. They do have the right to work now supported by funding, example the monthly host payments, help with rent. Three years plus the 18 months to not count towards any settled status here in the UK.

The 18 month extension can only be applied for in the final 28 days of the original

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granted visa. I'm grateful to my honourable friend for securing this debate and friend for securing this debate and was extra remarks. I've been aware of two cases where constituents are of two cases where constituents are only be allowed to apply 28 days before the deadline extension, and before the deadline extension, and yet UKVI give themselves a standard service time of eight weeks to respond. In each case it has left my respond. In each case it has left my constituents unable to commit to much want to travel with their family to the window after the 28 family to the window after the 28 days have elapsed before the extension.

Would my noble friend agree this is something the government to look at?

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government to look at? I agree. People are worried that situation. I have several own situation. I have several own constituency, and groups are mostly working, get on with integrating the working, get on with integrating the local committee and strongly support each other.

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each other. Festival can I commend your gentleman for bringing this forward. The fact so many are here is because The fact so many are here is because it impacts, and there is a strong Ukrainian constituency in my Ukrainian constituency in my constituency. And with the children constituency. And with the children in the schools, and paying tax and spending, and this must be facilitated to continue with as little stress as possible. The fact is Ukrainian to become an entitled part of all our communities.



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I agree. But they are scared of what happens next. We have no answer for them. They see reports of Ukrainians being refused asylum in Ukrainians being refused asylum in the UK since it is " Said to be safe to return to Ukraine. " Even while to return to Ukraine. " Even while Putin stroked exploding new cases

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these in record numbers. I congratulate my honourable friend on getting this debate. He is making an important point. I've making an important point. I've heard from a number of Ukrainians who now cannot return home who now cannot return home particularly those in the east of the country, as their home towns have been destroyed. They are have been destroyed. They are looking for a more permanent solution to the temporary solution solution to the temporary solution that we have got. They have integrated well into British society.

Does my honourable friend think the government should look at think the government should look at a permanent staying? I do believe we should be looking at a permanent should be looking at a permanent should be looking at a permanent solution. That is why I asked the question to the Prime Minister last week. His answer was more positive week. His answer was more positive than before. Even appeared to answer that another 18 months will be added. I asked the minister to clarify that statement.



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On that note of that certainty, one of my Ukrainian guests so they feel safe and settled in Berkhamsted cannot return. Then I ask for a long-term solution and would my right honourable friend agree with right honourable friend agree with me that we need to look at those examples of solutions we can give for the certainty for Ukrainians? Quite I thank

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Quite I thank I thank my honourable friend. Need to do that. If the UK is to support the defence of Ukraine, we support the defence of Ukraine, we must continue to support these vulnerable Ukraine guests in our country give them some certainty of country give them some certainty of the future. In my discussions with groups around my constituency, I've groups around my constituency, I've heard many concerns. We had one family with a 17 year old son. Ukrainian child passports have a Ukrainian child passports have a duration of just four years.

They duration of just four years. They have to renew the passport. He has been told to do that people need to return to Kyiv. His parents are worried that either he will not be worried that either he will not be allowed to come back will not be allowed to stay here with an expired passport.

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passport. I am very grateful for making

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I am very grateful for making this debate possible. Can he explain to the house what is the attitude of the Ukrainian government? Is it the case that most of the people here are dependent, women and children, or is it the case also that having thoughts that Ukraine be quickly overrun, and the circumstances been different, Ukrainian government now wants to see more of the citizens

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coming back to defend home? He has obviously been reading my speech. I will be getting onto that. speech. I will be getting onto that. I was speaking to one Ukrainian lady with her elderly mother. This lady with her elderly mother. This lady has lost her husband, she lost her son, she lost a father. Her home in Ukraine was in the Russian occupied Ukraine was in the Russian occupied zone, and like much of a village it has been razed to the ground. Even has been razed to the ground.

Even when peace does break out, what she got to go back to landmines and unexploded bombs? Ukraine is the home of the fabled Cossacks and it is no wonder that the war was not is no wonder that the war was not over in the three weeks or so that Putin expected. That means we have Putin expected. That means we have to think longer term about the Homes for Ukraine scheme visas. I mention there are some 7 million Ukrainians there are some 7 million Ukrainians are safely outside the country, as the original population of 45 the original population of 45 million.

It is about 16. For them all to return to a country with a shattered infrastructure would not be practical for a number of years. Clearing landmines, dealing with unexploded bombs, demolition and unexploded bombs, demolition and rebuilding must be done before most of the guests we have here can think of the guests we have here can think about returning. My basic ask of the Minister and the government is to look at a long-term extension for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and give our guests certainty in some part of their lives at least.



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Thank you. I wonder if we could ask the Minister to give some clarity over those women who have clarity over those women who have dependent children as well as elderly relatives were often unable to meet the income threshold the required four the work of visa and global talent reason. And for their global talent reason. And for their children who have lent England so fluently, and their education has been here. They cannot look forward to going to college or university

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to going to college or university because they don't have a visa that will see them through that course. Very much so. My meetings people

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Very much so. My meetings people have been asking about this, I will

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give way. Thank you. I want to say I am

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Thank you. I want to say I am proud to say that the residents of proud to say that the residents of my constituency I see they are my constituency I see they are hoping for their friends fleeing the conflict, they are part of the divinity. Does my honourable friend agree we need bespoke routes to agree we need bespoke routes to permanent residency for Ukrainians who want to stay in the UK? Talker I

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thank my I thank my honourable friend.

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I thank my honourable friend. This is now urgent as guests have less than 12 months left of the visas.

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visas. I'm grateful to him for giving way. Has he seen the research juice way. Has he seen the research juice for the University of Birmingham the expense of Ukrainian refugees in circumstances that he describes? In circumstances that he describes? In particular, in respect of loss of employment and loss of tenancies? employment and loss of tenancies? Does he agree that landlords and employers should not be acting in this way? To do so may be this way? To do so may be discrimination on the grounds of nationality, and some form of

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remediation needs to be found in these cases? I thank him for mentioning the

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I thank him for mentioning the report of mild university was them I will look it up. It is more about getting the visas extended them

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getting the visas extended them pursuing the people who are refusing them. I congratulate the honourable Member for securing tonight's Member for securing tonight's debate. I think in full taking part. debate. I think in full taking part. Last month I had the great privilege of meeting the Canadian families who made their home in my constituency. I had a personal private conversation with each and every one of them and eventually everyone said to me that they definitely needed stability and security and the current extension scheme does not provide the 18 months, it is too short.

Particularly for young students regressing to university. Does the audible member agree with me that the government must urgently review the short-term nature of the state?

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I will be moving on to that shortly. I have been impressed by the way that the Ukrainians don't the way that the Ukrainians don't sit back it up and get working. In many cases they have taken jobs way below the qualifications while they below the qualifications while they learn the language, settle in and find a way. The children have find a way. The children have integrated in schools and set up on paths to GCSE, A-level, and degree paths to GCSE, A-level, and degree level courses.

Now, this bite this, they'll have a visa that covers the duration of the courses, but they are still working hard. I have one guest was a fully qualified Ukrainian dentist, when he dentist Ukrainian dentist, when he dentist especially in Devon, and is done the first part of verifying his qualifications for the UK but it has taken many months costing £600. To become a fully qualified dentist, needs to spend £4300 and more time needs to spend £4300 and more time in the waiting time alone may make that futile given the short time left on his visa.

Another bright student has started dentistry qualification at Plymouth University. She asked me she would University. She asked me she would be allowed to state finish it. Another family wanted to get a Another family wanted to get a mortgage to buy a house that they can't. They are brave, inventive and industrious people. Need to help

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industrious people. Need to help them by extending the visa scheme. Does the honourable member agree with me that the Homes for Ukraine scheme matters, it's not just about immigration is about real families who have really made a home in our communities, particularly the wonderful couple that came along to my surgery, the woman came from Ukraine and is working for a charity and brought her son is getting married to my constituent on 20th of

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July. I would like to give a couple of

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I would like to give a couple of stories from Ukrainians, and keeping an eye on the time. This is from an eye on the time. This is from an eye on the time. This is from How do you live during the war? Can How do you live during the war? Can a person who has not experienced to a person who has not experienced to understand this? I think not because I must have dinner believe such a thing as possible in our time.

It turns out that it is possible. That morning will remain in my memory for morning will remain in my memory for a long time. When I woke up to collect the children from school, collect the children from school, the man who was in Odessa called and said the war had begun and they were shelling us. To say that it was horror would be an understatement. horror would be an understatement. Particularly life -- completely different life began for us. Since different life began for us.

Since no one expected this, panic began. Empty shows on stores, lights coming Empty shows on stores, lights coming and tell terrible alarm signals for my children and I went to bed rest my children and I went to bed rest so at night during the alarm, we could hide. A suitcase with documents was packed in the documents was packed in the basement. One thing is blankets first when a rocket your thoughts about the children how to save them. Missile alarms became our daily routine. Children playing here the alarm and run to the basement of the House we made a small shelter.

Husband was invited to the military registration enlistment office and taken to war. We left alone at home without support and with constant without support and with constant worry. Why did we decide to move? Because as a mother and want peaceful life my children, want them to sleep peacefully and study so they can see life. When I arrived here not only the children but also I was afraid when a helicopter flew overhead. We saw a plane overhead when my son in the garden, and hopefully very low.

I froze and when I turned around, I saw my son who was sitting by a tree screaming at me. The horror of war cannot be put into words. It is when you go to sleep and don't know whether you will wake up. It's when life can end in a minute. This is universal. Since every day brought its own experiences, pain and despair cannot be described. My husband made the decision for us to leave Ukraine, probably because he sees much more. For me it was a difficult step, firstly to leave my husband without support.

He sometimes came home for two days, always a holiday for our family, and secondly to leave the home where the children grew up. Where there were dreams, where every corner has its own story. But the safety of the children came first so we decided to leave. Not knowing the language, taking a back pack with us we set off for the UK where our host Julie met us, a new stage in our life began. Thanks to Julie we gradually got to know and continue to get to know the local system.

My daughter immediately went to school when she was happily accepted and she began to meet new classmates. Recently she saw a plane high in the sky, took a picture and send it to her father. Saying it was a peaceful sky. My son is preparing to enter college, studying English and going to the gym. I was almost immediately offered a job where I worked without knowing English. Foreign country, unfamiliar customs, lack of knowledge of the language, all this is covered by the sensitive care of people around us.

The Ukrainian diaspora supports everyone, learning language, helping solve problems always been in touch. Thank you for giving a peaceful sky to our children.

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Would he agree with me when he talks about children, there are also talks about children, there are also children within my constituency who have come over here is very small children and have only ever been children and have only ever been within the UK English education system and whose parents are deeply concerned about what will happen to concerned about what will happen to them going forwards. And that it would be appropriate for us to look would be appropriate for us to look to put in place permanent measures as soon assume any possible.

I'm sure he would also want to join with me in thanking the host families from my constituency who I'm so from my constituency who I'm so proud of and grateful to and also to refugees welcome who continue to do

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refugees welcome who continue to do work to help Ukrainian families to integrate in our community. I thank her for her intervention

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I thank her for her intervention and absolutely agree. One other brief account, this is of Maria and because senior North Devon written because senior North Devon written because senior North Devon written by the host Helen. On 21 June, a woman aged 20 was killed in a woman aged 20 was killed in a woman aged 20 was killed in a strike. She was the -- she had a strike. She was the -- she had a husband and son.

He was almost unrecognisable. They travelled back to Ukraine to attend his funeral. She was also the care of their mother who recently had a stroke. The girls father wants them to stay in the UK where Marie and her daughter are safe from the war, especially as Maria is a single mother and the Russians have been kidnapping children. Mila settled in the only school she has known, starting year three in September. Cocina is studying to go to university. There is little education in Ukraine at the moment.

They've lost a brother and their father is fighting for his country. The thing that keeps him going is that his two younger daughters are safe. I hope that you can get the government to see that we need to carry on supporting our Ukrainian family. I asked the Prime Minister last week about extending the scheme and the Home Secretary was asked in committee on 3 June. However the situation has changed. Ukraine's government has publicly changes position in late May, asking all governments where Ukrainians have sought safety in century since spring 2022 to be provided with choice.

To remain where their lives are being rebuilt or to return to Ukraine when it is safe to do so.

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Only last month I had a resident in my constituency office desperate in my constituency office desperate to renew urgently the visa of the Ukrainian she was hosting. I'm sure he will join me in saying that while the heroes of Ukraine fight Putin, for us as much as for them, we for us as much as for them, we should stand guard over their families.

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families. I absolutely agree. The war seems further from ending, perhaps even more protracted than ever. The EU more protracted than ever. The EU has clarified its position, extending temporary protection for extending temporary protection for all guests to March 2027 and requiring all member states to find ways for guests to have pathways to residency or settlement within those residency or settlement within those two years. The Home Secretary commented at committee that continuing the stability of continuing the stability of education of children, university education of children, university students and adults and training in apprenticeships is key and enabling continuity of that through housing continuity of that through housing and jobs as an important part of the government support the train.

We need the government to review the short-term nature of the Ukraine Permission Extension urgently. Without urgent changes we are at serious risk of putting thousands of serious risk of putting thousands of Ukrainians, children as well as parents into homelessness or worse. The terms of their fees are too short for them to carry on. We owe them a much better treatment and we

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are currently doing. At the final moment you got in. Very grateful. I'm sure he would

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Very grateful. I'm sure he would want to share his sympathy for Juliet in my constituency who has no longer a flatter accommodation back in Ukraine, has secured a job with in Ukraine, has secured a job with the legal firm and who wish to train her up and enable her to get her up and enable her to get qualified, but are now fighting she may no longer be secure in staying in this country.

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in this country. And that is a dreadful situation and I really hope the Minister can give us some positive news or at least a glimmer of hope of where we

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can go. Thank you. I call the Minister. This debate has to conclude at 10: 32.

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has to conclude at 10: 32. Thank you. And I'm very grateful to the honourable member for Newton to the honourable member for Newton Abbot for securing this debate on what is an important topic for us what is an important topic for us all. And I know he is a committed advocate Ukrainians who have sought advocate Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary here in the UK, and particularly in his own particularly in his own constituency, and I'm grateful also to the contributions from honourable members across the House.

Indeed the honourable gentleman will note that the people of Devon have helped with integration of more than 2,300 Ukrainians as he referenced under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and in fact Devon is one of a few counties that is supporting over 2,000 Ukrainians. So I do thank the honourable gentleman and all in Devon for making such a welcome contribution to what is as we are all aware very much a national effort. And on that note, I do want to also recognise the contributions and the stories that have been shared in this very thought provoking and important debate provoking and important debate today.

And also honour the efforts and sacrifices made by families who have found themselves split and living in different countries through the period of the unprovoked war we've seen, and the constant and daily anguish that we know that will bring. And I pay tribute also to the many local authorities across the country and also the British public the incredible generosity that has been shown to our Ukrainian guests. And indeed since the launch, Ukrainian schemes have offered or extended century to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families.

This is an outstanding response and I think one underlies as well the deep sympathy and compassion that people across the UK feel towards those who have a had a need for sanctuary in

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the UK. The Minister references the anguish felt by Ukrainian families displaced. Does she recognise that the uncertainty over their visa conditions adds to the anguish faced by those families here in the UK and by those families here in the UK and indeed their very generous hosts? Will she commit to reviewing the Will she commit to reviewing the situation and giving them hope for the future?

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the future? I think the honourable lady for her contribution and indeed will be making a comment in relation to that making a comment in relation to that directly in this debate. And on that directly in this debate. And on that subject I also want to take the opportunity to emphasise that the government's support for Ukraine government's support for Ukraine remains utterly steadfast. Members will be aware of the UK Ukraine 100 will be aware of the UK Ukraine 100 year partnership which was signed by the Prime Minister earlier this year.

The landmark commitment not only built in the close relationship only built in the close relationship with Ukraine that seeks to formalise with Ukraine that seeks to formalise closer cooperation on a number of areas and educational benefits including the youth contract. It's including the youth contract. It's important we see work ongoing with the partnership bringing economic and educational benefits to both our countries, not just now but for the future.

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I wonder whether she will join me in doing two things, one in congratulating the Member for congratulating the Member for Strangford for his excellent Thai action this evening, which is massively on point, but more massively on point, but more importantly than that in joining me in paying tribute all those in Newcastle-under-Lyme who have provided sanctuary, safety and provided sanctuary, safety and security Ukrainians, those who have made their life in our corner in Staffordshire not least because they stand with the people of Ukraine and

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against Putin and his tyranny. I am indeed very grateful to the

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I am indeed very grateful to the youth residents in his constituency, for the work they've done and did for the work they've done and did the welcome they have provided. And if I could make some further if I could make some further comments because in relation to this I've seen as well the work that's I've seen as well the work that's gone in my own constituency along with OneWorld Strong, Alan Fraser and Kevin Prunty who have helped lead and initiative building lead and initiative building relationships between and partnerships between schools allowing young people in the UK and in Ukraine to be sharing their in Ukraine to be sharing their lives, challenges and indeed their outlooks.

Turning to the Home Office outlooks. Turning to the Home Office role within what is clearly a cross government effort, the Department has worked closely with key partners including the FCDO, MHCOG, which has a close relationship with local authorities, devolved governments, and the European Union. I will give way very briefly.
22:29
Seema Malhotra Portrait Seema Malhotra MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Feltham and Heston, Labour )
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This weekend I met with Karina and Arthur who were told by the Home Office they were granted permission and Ukraine Family Scheme error and their application and Ukraine Permission Extension scheme may not be granted. I wrote to the Home Office at beginning of June regarding this case but have yet to hear back. Can I ask the Minister to look into this specifically and meet with me to discuss further?

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I thank him for his intervention. He will understand that I can't comment on individual cases on the floor of the House but I can assure floor of the House but I can assure him that my officials have the details of his constituents and certainly are reviewing the case and I will update him in the coming I will update him in the coming days. The questions asked in relation to further extensions of relation to further extensions of the Ukraine extension scheme, which indeed we did bring in info period this year to provide the 18 months of permission to stay in the UK with continued access to work, benefits, healthcare and education, which is what the Prime Minister was referring to in Prime Minister's referring to in Prime Minister's questions last week, however I will confirm to the House that we will be confirm to the House that we will be extending the leave beyond the 18 months.

We are still working on the detail of this, and we will be updating the House as soon as is updating the House as soon as is possible. And this is important possible. And this is important because I do understand the comments and the questions and the challenges and the need to provide certainty and particularly in relation to and particularly in relation to education, which was also very much on the mind of the Home Secretary. I

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on the mind of the Home Secretary. I was very briefly taken intervention. I really appreciate it.

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I thank the honourable gentleman, and indeed it's been very much on the mind of the government for a the mind of the government for a number of months now and working through the detail and recognising through the detail and recognising as well that we work with the embassy of Ukraine, other embassy of Ukraine, other stakeholders across the country, the community Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, the European in Great Britain, the European commission and other international partners. And it's important to come partners.

And it's important to come to a position the balance is our responsibility to those on the schemes and the citizens of Ukraine schemes and the citizens of Ukraine more broadly and to be working alongside Ukrainian government in alongside Ukrainian government in

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alongside Ukrainian government in I was speaking to a Ukrainian friend recently who expressed concern and they will be extremely grateful for comments of the Minister. I want to put on record that Ukrainian community in my that Ukrainian community in my constituency do wonderful work for Ukrainians who are here in our Ukrainians who are here in our

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community, not put that on record. Thank my honourable friend and he has put that on the record. Effectively in relation to his Effectively in relation to his constituency. In closing, I thank a member for once again securing this debate. United Kingdom has rightly offered support and sanctuary to a Ukrainian friends in their hour of need, including through the schemes that we have been discussing. This is something we should all reflect on with pride. The government will continue to do right by the

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Ukrainians. The question is that this House

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The question is that this House do now adjourn. As many are of that opinion say, "Aye". The ayes have
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None Portrait Royal Asset Mr Speaker
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None Portrait Royal Asset Mr Speaker
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22:38
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None Portrait Royal Asset Mr Speaker
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This debate has concluded
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