Just prior to the Summer Recess, Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois praised local schools for organising tours to World War One battlefronts during a general debate in the House of Commons commemorating Passchendaele.
The debate marked the 100th anniversary of Passchendaele, the third battle of Ypres, with moving speeches from MPs on the sacrifices made and highlighting the importance of educating young people on the sacrifices made to uphold Britain’s freedom.
During the debate, Mark Francois praised the work carried out by Fitzwimarc School, Sweyne Park School and Beauchamps School to ensure their pupils visit these historic battle fields and the memorials to learn about the hardships faced by British soldiers and the tremendous sacrifices made so that we can live in a free country today.
Commenting on the debate, Mark Francois said:
“It is vitally important that we continue to teach young people about the sacrifices made by those who fought in both World War One and Two. I am very proud that three of the schools in my constituency regularly arrange visits to these important battlefields so that their pupils can see where these battles occurred and really understand what our soldiers went through to ensure our freedom today.”