North Wiltshire MP James Gray joined around 30 other MPs, all of whom had either served or continue to serve in our Armed Forces, to take part in an act of Remembrance ahead of Sunday’s official national commemorations.

With the MPs drawn from across a number of parties, the Guards Chapel in London’s Wellington Barracks provided a fitting setting for the MPs to pay their respects to those who had died in the two World Wars and conflicts since.

This was the second consecutive year that current and retired Armed Forces personnel who are now parliamentarians in the House of Commons have gathered in this way.

The service 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.

The service was conducted by Reverend Kevin Bell, Senior Chaplain London District, with a wreath laid by Sir Peter Tapsell, the Father of the House of Commons on behalf of all those present.

Those in attendance represented military service in a variety of operational theatres including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans and Northern Ireland. 

Mr Gray, who served in the Honourable Artillery Company, said: "It was a huge privilege to join fellow MPs in the Guards Chapel and pay my respects to all who had died protecting our country. If it wasn't for their sacrifice, we would not have our freedom today."

The event was again organised by Mark Francois MP, the Armed Forces Minister. He served as a Territorial Army officer in the Royal Anglian Regiment in the 1980s.

He said: “Many serving personnel are often surprised when I tell them that around 60 MPs – or almost one in ten in the House of Commons – have served in the Armed Forces, either as a Regular or Reserve.

“Today’s service gave those MPs an opportunity to pay their respects to the fallen, particularly in this important and commemorative year, but I hope it will also highlight to our serving personnel and their families how many parliamentarians have worn the Queen’s uniform at some point in their lives.

“We have served too: so we also remember them.”