18 March 2023 , 18:51
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Labour MP Dan Jarvis has paid tribute to British soldiers who died in Iraq, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the conflict.
Mr Jarvis, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, will help lead a special Commons debate next week two decades on from the invasion.
Speaking about the legacy of Iraq, Mr Jarvis, the MP for Barnsley Central and former Sheffield City Region Mayor, told GB News: “It's absolutely legitimate that people have a view about whether it was the right thing or the wrong thing (to invade Iraq).
“But the purpose of my debate solely is to commemorate the service and the sacrifice of those very brave men and women who stepped forward in good faith to serve in our armed forces and didn't come back.
“So, this 20th anniversary milestone provides an important opportunity to commemorate them and their service to ensure that they are not forgotten. Regardless of the rights or wrongs of the conflict, I think it is very important that we don't lose sight of the fact that British servicemen and women behaved and conducted themselves with extraordinary professionalism under very difficult circumstances, and my debate will seek to ensure that that is remembered.”
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Mr Jarvis, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran will help lead a debate in the commons this week (PA)Speaking to host and former Labour MP Gloria De Piero, Mr Jarvis added: “I think it's just important that we don't forget about the service and the sacrifice. This will be a difficult moment for the families. You know, they will still be grieving their loved ones.
“What I want to do is just make sure that collectively in Parliament on a cross party basis, we come together and say, ‘Regardless of the rights or the wrongs of that particular conflict, we will ensure that we never forget the service and the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives.”
Mr Jarvis also urged Labour to stay true to its roots, despite his party’s commanding lead in the polls.
He said: “Throughout its history, the Labour Party has had this challenge of being able to talk to people in Hampstead whilst at the same time being able to talk to people in Hull.
“And I think whilst things are going pretty well for us, you know, we're in a good position in the polls, nobody's remotely complacent about the challenge that the Labour Party still faces to cross the line and to get into government.
“I think that we always need to make sure that as a party nobody can ever say or think that we are a party of people who live in London.”