Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth in 2024.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the significance of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day next year as an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of those who fought to liberate Europe in the closing stages of World War Two, as well as to mark the United Kingdom’s significant, ongoing, contribution to peace and security in Europe and beyond.

Defence officials are working with colleagues in other Government departments, and with various external stakeholders, to put together an appropriate programme of events to mark the occasion in the UK and in France. To that end, initial discussions have taken place between Defence officials and Portsmouth City Council, and the MOD aims to work with the Council to ensure that an appropriate event is held in Portsmouth as part of that wider programme.