We must ensure our fallen heroes’ sacrifice was not in vain

On Sunday, as we gather at war memorials and cenotaphs across the country, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might live in freedom. It is 108 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War, and 81 years since the end of the Second World War – two conflicts that claimed millions of lives and inflicted suffering on a scale almost impossible to comprehend. Our living links to the Great War have gone, and the number of those who fought in the Second World War is sadly dwindling.

That makes remembrance more important than ever. It is not simply an opportunity to give thanks to those who fought and died standing up to tyranny. It is a moment for our nation to reconnect with its history, and remember the extraordinary price paid for the freedoms we enjoy today. Twice in the last century, Britain stood against dictators determined to conquer the European continent. At times, we stood alone. The financial cost was immense, but the true price of freedom was paid in blood.

As war once again rages in Europe, we must never forget the lessons of that history. Britain must be prepared The uncomfortable truth is that the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for it. Russia has reportedly suffered more than half a million military deaths in Ukraine – a staggering toll exceeding Britain’s combined military and civilian losses in the Second World War. Yet despite those losses, Nato has warned that Russia could be capable of threatening the alliance militarily by 2030.

The threat is real, and history tells us that weakness invites aggression, while strength deters it. That is why remembrance must be about more than honouring those who have fallen. It must also mean standing up for those who serve today, and those who have served before. A moment for unity Remembrance Sunday should always transcend party politics. It is a moment for national unity, not political point-scoring – though that must never prevent us from speaking out when government policies let down our Armed Forces and veterans.

It means protecting those who served in Northern Ireland from vexatious legal proceedings decades after the events concerned. For too many veterans, the process itself has become the punishment. It means delivering on promises made to serving personnel about their service, especially in relation to accommodation. I remain incredibly proud to have orchestrated the deal to buy back the defence estate, but this has only created an opportunity to deliver “homes for heroes” – not a guarantee – and could be put at risk by cuts to forces’ housing budgets.

And fundamentally, it means having a credible, fully funded plan to strengthen our defences, because warm words about supporting our Armed Forces mean little without the resources to back them up. This Remembrance Sunday, my message to everyone who serves, or has served, is simple – thank you. And to those who have gone before us: we will remember them. James Cartlidge is the shadow secretary of state for defence