15 DFómh 2014, 15:35
On Monday 20th October 2014 the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will visit Flanders to commemorate the British and Irish sacrifices in the First World War, marking 100 years since it began.
15 October 2014
The Assembly will visit a series of memorials throughout the day, finishing with the Last Salute at the Menin Gate at 7pm. Journalists are welcome to attend.
Laurence Robertson MP, British Co-Chair of the Association, said: “It's a hundred years since British and Irish people started to fight together against threatening forces on the continent of Europe. Very many people tragically lost their lives on behalf of the country they belonged to, and we are travelling to Flanders as a mark of respect to them and to pay tribute to their memories.”
Irish Co-Chair Designate Frank Feighan TD says: \"I look forward to what will be a very special day of commemoration in Flanders on Monday 20 October. The sacrifices made by that generation on the fields of Flanders had a devastating impact on families and communities across the islands. The visit will be a unique opportunity for parliamentarians from each legislature on these islands to pay our respects to those from all traditions who fell in World War One. The sounding of the last post at the Menin Gate Memorial for the Missing will round off what will be a poignant day.
“Members are also looking forward to the Tuesday programme back in Kent, which will see key report launches on the impact of HGV levy and Traveller and Roma rights, as well as an update from Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers on efforts to deal with flags, parades and the past.\"
Access www.britishirish.org for more information.
(Irish) Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
Notes to eds:
The Assembly's mission is to promote co-operation between political representatives in Britain and Ireland for the benefit of the people they represent. BIPA’s membership includes representatives from the UK Parliament, the Houses of the Oireachtas, the Scottish Parliament, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Welsh Assembly, the High Court of Tynwald (Isle of Man) and the States of Guernsey and Jersey.