Across the country and here in Barnsley, this Remembrance Sunday and at 11 o’clock, on the 11th of November, we will fall silent to remember those who fought for our country and those who paid the ultimate price.

I know that we are rightly proud of those who have fought for our country, whether that be in the First World War, the Second World War, or in the wars fought since.

To our Armed Forces personnel, past and present, I want to say thank you for your brave service. We owe you all so much.

This year marked 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan.

It has been an honour to lead the Government’s programme of commemorative events to mark this important anniversary, working with brilliant organisations such as the Royal British Legion and Historic Royal Palaces to bring this to life.

I have had the privilege of meeting with veterans, hearing their first- hand experience of unimaginable circumstances, fought in the name of our futures.

As living history fades into the past, it is up to us to continue to tell the stories of the brave Second World War generation.

To mark this important 80th anniversary year, the Cenotaph was draped in flags overnight for the first time since it was unveiled in 1920, followed by the military procession, which included over 1,300 armed forces personnel and uniformed youth, which was accompanied by a flypast led by a Second World War RAF Lancaster and featuring the Red Arrows.

Street parties took place across the country, replicating those that broke out spontaneously on VE Day in 1945. There was an official Service of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, a VE Day concert, a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark VJ Day, and a range of educational and cultural activities to help schools and communities to engage with the 80th commemorations.

Earlier this week, I laid a cross in the Parliamentary Garden of Remembrance in honour of the fallen of Barnsley South.

I know that, over this Remembrance period, local people will be thinking of loved ones and those in the community who sacrificed so much to protect our way of life and those who paid the ultimate price.

This week, we have come together as a community to remember.

I was proud to join the Royal British Legion, as in previous years, to sell poppies ahead of Remembrance weekend, as well as attending both the Festival of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, and the Shaw Lane Remembrance service.

In October, I attended the rededication of the War Memorial at Barnsley Town Hall; a place where, for 100 years, we have reflected, remembered and honoured all those who have fought bravely for our country.

However feels the most appropriate, whether it be at a local event, or at privately at home, the Barnsley community will come together in memory of those who have fought for our country, past and present.

I thank all the volunteers who work so hard to ensure that our Remembrance events take place.

Thank you to all service men and women, past and present, for all you have done for us.

We will never forget.