To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of the Republic of Ireland concerning the commemoration of the outbreak of First World War; and what was the outcome of any such discussions.
Answered on
1 December 2014
We have enjoyed excellent collaboration with the Irish government on activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr Cameron), and the Taoiseach agreed in March 2012 that we would do so “in a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect, inclusiveness and reconciliation”. On 31 July, His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland attended the dedication of a Commonwealth War Graves Cross of Sacrifice at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. presided over by the President of the Republic of Ireland, Michael D Higgins. On 4 August, President Higgins attended a ceremony at Saint Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium with Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales, and the Prime Minister, to commemorate the entry of the UK into the war.