Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Defence Secretary said:

“Remembrance Sunday is a chance for us to pay tribute to our armed forces who risk their lives to keep us safe and protect the values and freedoms we hold dear.  As remembranceservices take place up and down the country this Sunday, we come together to pay thanks to our brave servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for us and our way of life.

“Let us also keep in our minds those servicemen and women who are today putting themselves in harm’s way to protect not only our rights and freedoms but also the rights and freedoms of people in all corners of the world.  Their families are also in our thoughts, for they are the ones who suffer the most when their loved ones are away from home.

“Last year marked the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War and saw acts of commemoration take place all over the country and in many different forms as we remembered those who bravely and selflessly put their lives at risk to defend our nation.  In 2014 we also saw the withdrawal of our troops from combat roles in Afghanistan, ending 13 years of British military engagement in that country.  We will always remember the 454 British servicemen and women who lost their lives in that conflict.

“The First World War and our operations in Afghanistan are important reminders of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in our country’s distant and recent past.  To those people, whose dedication and commitment to our country has been unwavering, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.  They will never be forgotten.”