On Tuesday, 23rd October I represented the Government in a Westminster Hall debate on the issue of the “Dead Man’s Penny Memorial Plaque” which is the name given to a medallion given to the next-of-kin of all British and Empire service personnel who were killed during the First World War. Each individual medallion was struck with the name of the serviceman or woman, with no mention of their rank. Each medallion represents a person who gave their life for our freedoms.
The debate was very timely as we are soon approaching the centenary of the armistice in 1918 (11th November), which I will of course commemorate by attending and laying a wreath at the memorial service at All Saints’ Church as I have done in every previous year since first being elected as MP for Northampton North.
During the debate I discussed in detail the nature of these medallions and the work that my department has done (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport). I also spoke of the real human aspect of the war and how so many families were touched by it.
My own great-grandfather, Jeremiah Mulcahy of the Royal Irish Regiment was killed in action at Ypres on 31st May 1915. The debate was a good way of putting on record the Government’s appreciation for everyone who helped to protect this country during the First World War.
I am a huge supporter of our Armed Forces and we all owe a great deal of gratitude to those who have died for our futures. You can watch my speech on this debate using the following link: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/4162cb1a-1570-4e6c-84e3-781aaf4af056?in=16:34:18&out=16:47:01.