In Barnsley, across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the world, people are mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

Our late Queen promised on her twenty first birthday, that her life, whether it be long or short, would be dedicated to service. A promise she so fully kept.

A reign that marked a period of huge social, political and technological change. She welcomed 15 Prime Ministers, completed 21,000 engagements as Head of State and met more than 2 million members of the public over the past 70 years.

Britain’s longest reigning Monarch, we came together as a community only a few months ago to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.

I know we mourn today as we celebrated then.

Our late Queen was a constant throughout all of our lives, in good times and difficult ones. She spoke for our nation at times of trouble and of danger. Twenty-one years ago this week when the horrific terrorist attacks took place in the USA, she commented: “Grief is the price we pay for love”. We draw on those words now at this time of national mourning.

I expressed my sadness and condolences on behalf of the people of Barnsley East when I spoke in the special tribute debate in the House of Commons. I have been struck by how people are unified in their sadness and admiration for our late Queen, and her values of service, dedication and duty.

In 1954, the new Queen visited Barnsley for the first time. She walked through streets lined with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen, accompanied by the Mayor, to the Town Hall. She later met with a miner and a glass maker as representatives from the key industries in Barnsley, and was given a piece of coal from a Barnsley colliery to mark the occasion. She visited our town again in 1975, and to celebrate her Silver Jubilee in 1977.

We came together outside the Town Hall last Sunday for the local proclamation of Charles III as he ascends to the throne. We send our thoughts, prayers and love to our new King as he grieves for his mother and takes on such a huge responsibility as our Sovereign.

It felt like Queen Elizabeth would always be part of our lives. We celebrate her life, a life so well lived and we thank her for her service. Rest in Peace.

God save the King.