Nicholas Soames, Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, joined other MPs with previous service in the Armed Forces to take part in an act of Remembrance ahead of Sunday’s official national commemorations.
The group of Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum attended yesterday’s ceremony at the Guards Chapel, within London’s Wellington Barracks, to pay their respects to the fallen of the two world wars and conflicts since. It is believed to be the first time that Armed Forces veterans in the House of Commons have gathered in this way.
The service, conducted by Guards Chaplain the Reverend Kevin Bell, included the Last Post, Kohima Epitaph and two-minute silence as well as hymns Eternal Father Strong To Save, I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem. A wreath was laid on behalf of all those present by the Father of The House and former member of the Royal Sussex Regiment, Sir Peter Tapsell MP.
Following the service, the MPs in attendance gathered for a commemorative photograph wearing their regimental or service ties - the aim being to highlight the large number of MPs with current or previous military service in a regular or reservist capacity, and send a message to today’s military personnel that their democratic representatives, regardless of political colour, are on their side.
More than 50 of the current 650 MPs in the House of Commons have served their country either in the regular forces or in reservist organisations including the Royal Naval Reserve, Territorial Army (now known as the Army Reserve) and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Nicholas Soames, who served in the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) was proud to take part in the service and pay his respects in this unprecedented way.
Mr Soames said; “It was a most moving and beautiful service and I was proud to take part.”