Business of the House

Jas Athwal Excerpts

Thursday 30th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As I said earlier, for the sake of truth and justice, it is important that people get access to the information that they need when tragedies like these unfortunately happen. We understand the lack of certainty in the situation. We have only just got the Chinook justice campaigners’ formal claim for a judicial review, so I will not comment on it, but I am sure that the Secretary of State will have heard the hon. Gentleman’s remarks.

[Jas Athwal (Ilford South) (Lab)]

The Metropolitan police have decided not to close a small section of the eastbound A12 during the annual remembrance service at Ilford war memorial, although it has done so for decades. That choice diminishes the solemnity of the occasion and the memory of those who gave their life for our freedom. In comparison, the community across Europe honour their fallen at Menin gate without hesitation every single day. Simply pausing traffic once a year for two minutes for the parade to pass is surely not beyond us. Will the Leader of the House assist me in urging the Metropolitan police to think again and reverse this deeply regrettable decision?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend will recognise that this is an operational matter for the Met police, but in this case, I hope that local councils and the police will work together to ensure that people can come together to remember in safety.