EDM: 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Tabled by Bob Blackman (Conservative) 45 signatures

The motion

That this House commemorates the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 2026; remembers all those who fought and lost their lives during one of the most significant and tragic battles of the First World War; recognises the immense contribution and sacrifice made by soldiers from undivided India who served on the Western Front in France and Belgium alongside British, French and Allied forces; notes that more than 1.3 million Indian soldiers served during the First World War and over 74,000 lost their lives; acknowledges that the role of Indian soldiers at the Somme and across the Western Front remains under-represented in public remembrance and historical education; welcomes the work of Mission Marigold and other remembrance initiatives seeking to promote awareness of the shared history between Britain, India and France; further welcomes efforts by schools, community organisations, veterans groups and public institutions to educate younger generations about the contribution of Indian soldiers; further recognises the importance of remembrance in promoting peace, understanding and friendship between nations; and encourages communities across the United Kingdom to mark the anniversary through acts of remembrance, education and reflection.

Signatories (45)