COMMEMORATION OF HMS ARK ROYAL'S AFFILIATION WITH LEEDS

That this House welcomes the decision to commemorate HMS Ark Royal's unique and long-standing affiliation with Leeds by granting Freedom of the City to her crew on 12 February 2011, and holding a parade through the streets of the city to mark the raising of over 9 million in 1941 towards the cost of building another Ark Royal following the sinking of its predecessor; believes that these strong historical links make this tribute especially fitting; and further hopes that any future Ark Royal will once again have a similar affiliation with the city of Leeds.