Today (25th April 2024) on Anzac Day, Dr Neil Hudson MP stood up in the House of Commons to honour the Australians and New Zealanders who have sacrificed so much for our shared values.
Directing his parliamentary intervention towards Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer, Dr Hudson was keen to impress upon the House just how important strengthening these close ties with our Antipodean allies is at a time when international security threats continue to mount.
The Veterans' Minister thanked him for making this important point, reaffirming the United Kingdom's strong relationship with Australia and New Zealand and pledged to continue striving to improve the lives of those who have served.
With His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh leading the nation's commemoration in London, Britons are being asked engage in an act of remembrance for all the Australians and New Zealanders who have given themselves in the service of their countries and communities.
The date coincides with the anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli by Allied forces in 1915, where both sides suffered tremendous casualties.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Today, on Anzac Day, I felt it important to commit to record in the House of Commons, my, my constituency's and our nation's collective act of remembrance.
"We have deep historic and cultural ties with our Antipodean allies. I can attest to our shared values and hope to strengthen these bonds as we stand firm against the growing international challenges to our ways of life.
"On behalf of my constituents, I would like to again publicly pay tribute to the great sacrifices made by generations of armed service personnel so that we may benefit from freedom, security and prosperity. Lest we forget."
The full exchange in the Chamber:
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Today is Anzac Day, where we remember Australians and New Zealanders who gave so much.
"In an increasingly dangerous world, will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to veterans in Australia, New Zealand, here in the UK and right across the Commonwealth to whom we owe so much?"
Veterans' Minister, Johnny Mercer, replied:
"I thank my hon. Friend for raising his question and today is a very important day.
"Anzac Day is an incredibly important day. I was in Australia only a few months ago, and we're only as strong as our relationships with our allies and they have made an extraordinary contribution to world peace, particularly during the World Wars.
"I pay tribute to veterans across the globe but it is not easy fighting these wars - particularly wars of choice - now that are not global conflicts and then coming back and reintegrating in society.
"They can be incredibly proud of their service and people like me and my counterparts in Australia and elsewhere will continue to strive night and day to improve their lot in civil society when they return."
The Speaker then confirmed he will be laying a wreath in a formal ceremony on behalf of the House of Commons.
