110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
Tabled 2 June 2026 by Bob Blackman
That this House commemorates the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 2026; remembers all those who fought and lost their lives during one of the most significant and tragic battles of the First World War; recognises the immense contribution and sacrifice made by soldiers from undivided India who served on the Western Front in France and Belgium alongside British, French and Allied forces; notes that more than 1.3 million Indian soldiers served during the First World War and over 74,000 lost their lives; acknowledges that the role of Indian soldiers at the Somme and across the Western Front remains under-represented in public remembrance and historical education; welcomes the work of Mission Marigold and other remembrance initiatives seeking to promote awareness of the shared history between Britain, India and France; further welcomes efforts by schools, community organisations, veterans groups and public institutions to educate younger generations about the contribution of Indian soldiers; further recognises the importance of remembrance in promoting peace, understanding and friendship between nations; and encourages communities across the United Kingdom to mark the anniversary through acts of remembrance, education and reflection.
Signatories (38)
- Bob Blackman Sponsor
- Andrew George
- Jim Shannon
- Mr Will Forster
- Ayoub Khan
- Liz Jarvis
- Cat Eccles
- Peter Lamb
- Douglas McAllister
- Robin Swann
- Vikki Slade
- Mr Louie French
- Gavin Robinson
- Brian Mathew
- Iqbal Mohamed
- Andrew Rosindell
- Patricia Ferguson
- Nigel Farage
- Kirsteen Sullivan
- Ben Lake
- Liz Saville Roberts
- Llinos Medi
- Ann Davies
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Martin Rhodes
- Jim Allister
- Charlotte Cane
- Luke Myer
- Christine Jardine
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Jas Athwal
- Euan Stainbank
- Daisy Cooper
- Richard Foord
- Mohammad Yasin
- Charlie Dewhirst
- Dr Ellie Chowns
- Adam Dance