Westminster Report - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Westminster Report – BY The Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford - Campaigning for a Memorial for Dame Vera Lynn.

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Westminster Report – BY The Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford - Campaigning for a Memorial for Dame Vera Lynn.

BY The Rt Hon Mark Francois Member of Parliament for Rayleigh and Wickford – Campaigning for a Memorial for Dame Vera Lynn.

On the 8th of May, the nation came together to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day, reflecting on the end of the Second World War in Europe, eighty years ago. In that spirit, I recently spoke at Prime Minister’s Questions to highlight the ongoing campaign to erect a memorial celebrating the vital role in maintaining wartime morale performed by Dame Vera Lynn, “The Forces’ Sweetheart.”

In my question to the Prime Minister, I said: “Those who fought in World War Two, including my own father, would often attest that no one did more to maintain their morale in adversity than Dame Vera Lynn, the Forces’ Sweetheart.

“For several years, a doughty band of campaigners has been trying to create a national memorial in her honour. I am pleased to tell the House that they now have a stunning design, that they have a site—appropriately, at Dover—and that they have already raised over three quarters of the funding that they would need.

“At this very special time, will the Prime Minister lend his support in principle to this noble endeavour, and will he accept a personal briefing on the campaign—in which case I suspect that he and I will meet again?”

Issues such as this one, transcend normal party politics and in response, the Prime Minister backed the campaign, describing the fundraising efforts as “really important” and expressing delight at the progress. His words echoed the sentiment of so many: Dame Vera’s legacy deserves to be celebrated in a way that future generations can touch and see.

Dame Vera Lynn, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 103, was more than a singer; she was a symbol of hope.

Her songs—We’ll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover, and As Time Goes By—became anthems of resilience for soldiers and civilians alike. My own father, Stoker 1st Class Reginald Francois (who served aboard a minesweeper, on D-Day), spoke of how her voice helped carry him through the darkest days. He wasn’t alone. Countless veterans have shared similar stories, testifying that no one did more to bolster morale in adversity than Dame Vera. Her music, as Sir Keir Starmer noted, is “sewn into our nation’s soul.”

The campaign for a Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Statue began in 2021, spearheaded by a dedicated group of supporters, including my great friend, Sir David Amess, who was not only a passionate advocate but also the Chairman of the appeal committee. David, who knew Dame Vera personally, admired her immensely and worked tirelessly to see this vision realised.

The memorial, designed by renowned sculptor Paul Day—whose work includes the Battle of Britain Memorial on the Embankment—will stand near the White Cliffs of Dover, a fitting tribute given Dame Vera’s iconic song immortalising this Kent landmark and Britian’s war time resistance to tyranny. The statue will not only honour her but also commemorate the wartime entertainers who brought light to a nation in shadow.

The project, estimated to cost £1.5 million, has raised over £1 million, thanks to the generosity of donors across the country. Yet, we still need approximately £350,000 to complete the task.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal. For those wishing to support, donations can be made via the Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dameveralynnmemorialstatue.

This is a cause that transcends party politics, uniting us in gratitude for those who gave so much.

As we look back on VE Day, I reflect on what Dame Vera meant to my father’s generation and to our nation. Her voice was a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, hope endures. This memorial will ensure her legacy lives on, not just in our hearts but in a tangible tribute near the cliffs she sang of so beautifully. Together, I hope this can become a reality—for Dame Vera, for David, and for all those who found solace in her songs.

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