Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans the armed forces have to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is the lead Government Department for the Somme Centenary Commemorative Programme.

The Ministry of Defence and Her Majesty's Armed Forces are providing significant support to the three major events in Thiepval, London and Manchester and also providing support to a large number of other events that are being run by Regiments and other military organisations. These other events are taking place not only in France at the scene of the Battle but also in regions across the United Kingdom.