Nicholas Soames joins MPs for remembrance service

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames joined other MPs with previous service in the Armed Forces to take part in an act of Remembrance.
JPCT-21-10-11 S11430043a  MP Nicholas Soames at Western Road Cemetery, Haywards Heath -photo by steve cobbJPCT-21-10-11 S11430043a  MP Nicholas Soames at Western Road Cemetery, Haywards Heath -photo by steve cobb
JPCT-21-10-11 S11430043a MP Nicholas Soames at Western Road Cemetery, Haywards Heath -photo by steve cobb

The group of Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum attended the ceremony at the Guards Chapel, within London’s Wellington Barracks.

It is believed to be the first time that Armed Forces veterans in the House of Commons have gathered in this way.

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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.

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.

Mr 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.”

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