HC Deb 15 July 1983 vol 45 cc458-9W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which countries which were allies of the United Kingdom during the second world war are not invited to attend and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph at the annual Remembrance day ceremony; if he will reconsider the policy of Her Majesty's Government on this matter so that all allies of the United Kingdom at that time may be invited to the ceremony; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brittan

In its present form the annual service of remembrance is an occasion for the remembrance of those who gave their lives in the service of their country during both world wars and on other occasions. It has always been regarded as an essentially Commonwealth occasion but the form of service itself is not so limited. It has never been the practice to invite representatives from countries other than those which are currently members of the Commonwealth and I see no reason to change this practice.

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