I was honoured on Saturday to pay my respects to Her Majesty The Queen following her sad passing, offering my condolences on behalf of my constituents in Broxtowe.
It was touching to hear tributes and stories from across the House and it is a testament to the deep love and affection held for Her Majesty as we mourn at this sad time.
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like to echo the sentiments of many of my colleagues here today, it is always a special moment in this chamber when all parties unite together and speak with one voice. Unifying those divided is just one of the countless qualities that made our Queen the ruler that she was.
My thoughts and the thoughts of my constituents in Broxtowe are with the Royal Family at this time. The Queen was loved and admired not only throughout Great Britain, but across the Commonwealth and I know that a sense of loss and mourning will be felt in all corners of the world.
On a personal note, on more than one occasion in my life I have sworn true allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen. The first was in 1987, at the age of 18, whilst joining the Armed Forces. And of course more recently in 2019 whilst being sworn in as a Member of this House. On those occasions I felt incredibly proud to be able to serve my country and most importantly The Queen. I was honoured to be invited to meet Her Majesty whilst serving in the Royal Air Force. The Queen smiled at me and shook my hand, it was one of the privileges of my life and a memory I will always hold dear. Her smile, no matter who you were, put you instantly at ease, the rarest and most wonderful quality for anyone to hold.
As has been mentioned by some of my Honourable and Rt Honourable colleagues, in 1947 The Queen stated: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.” She came to embody those words throughout her 70 years of service and displayed a sense of duty to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth unlike any seen before.
Over the last 70 years at times of struggle and loss we have as a nation always looked to The Queen. She has given comfort in times of sorrow, continuity in times of uncertainty and hope in our times of doubt. During the pandemic, when many of us were separated from our loved ones she reminded our nation that we will meet again. She embodied the strength that we all needed and inspired us all to carry on.
I would like to end by offering wishes of success and prosperity to our new King Charles III, the country and the commonwealth are behind you and with you.
On behalf of myself and my constituents in Broxtowe:
May The Queen rest in peace and God save the King
