Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that the UK’s financial contributions to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are sufficient to maintain the graves of UK military personnel.

The annual funding for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC’s) is split between the six member countries, in proportion to the number of war dead from each nation. The United Kingdom is by far the largest contributor at 78.4%.

Defence officials work very closely with the CWGC each year to set the annual budget, and therefore funding, for the following year. This work takes account of any specific requirements or projects that may be forecast, whilst also ensuring that the Commission works effectively and efficiently.

On that basis, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide adequate funding going forwards.