(Harrow East) (Con)
Last Sunday, this country quite rightly paused to reflect, and to
honour those men and women who risked or gave their lives in
world wars and other conflicts. It is less well known that this
Sunday we come together at the Cenotaph to honour the Association
of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, with a parade where veterans
and children of veterans honour those who risked or gave their
lives. Could we have a debate in Government time on all the other
people who gave or risked their lives so that this country and
Parliament could be free?
Mr Rees-Mogg
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing this matter to my
attention, because I did not know that the Association of Jewish
Ex-Servicemen and Women had a parade on the week after Armistice
Sunday. I congratulate him on bringing that to the attention of
the House. I also congratulate the association on its work and on
the commemoration to recognise one’s gratitude to the veterans
from the Jewish community who served in Her Majesty’s forces—or
His Majesty’s forces, as they then often were—and to ensure that
their contribution, along with the contribution of others, is not
forgotten. It may be difficult to facilitate a debate
immediately, but remembrance should be discussed in this House.
(Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab)
Like the Leader of the House, I was not aware that the Sunday
after Remembrance Sunday—this Sunday—there is a planned march by
the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, until it was
raised by the hon. Member for Harrow East (). I feel it was a bit remiss of me not knowing that.
Considering what seems to be a sharp rise in antisemitism, not
just in Britain, but across Europe and elsewhere, should we not
look at having a full debate in Government time on the
contribution of AJEX to British history, where we could also pay
tribute to associated organisations, such as the 43 Group, which
crushed the Blackshirts in the late 1940s?
Mr Rees-Mogg
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We have in some
years had a debate around Armistice Day, where it has been
possible to record the contribution of a range of people who have
been involved in keeping the country safe and free. I am afraid
that in normal circumstances, this is more a matter for the
Backbench Business Committee than the Government, but his appeal
is very wise.
