On Thursday 17 June, Sir David Amess spoke about the launch of an appeal for a memorial to the late Dame Vera Lynn on the White Cliffs of Dover. The launch, organised by Sir David and Dame Vera’s daughter, is happening in Dover tomorrow on the first anniversary of her death.

All the money raised will go to the cost of the memorial and any funds above and over will go to the two charities Dame Vera founded. For more information about the launch and to make a donation, please visit the JustGiving site here: https://justgiving.com/dameveralynnmemorialstatue

Sir David said

I join others in paying tribute to Sir Roy and remembering the murder of one of our own, Jo Cox. Will my right hon. Friend find time for a debate on erecting a permanent memorial to Dame Vera Lynn? Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of her death. At 11 am on the white cliffs of Dover, a public appeal will be launched to raise the memorial and a record will be released called “Irreplaceable”. I would like to thank you, Mr Speaker, for your support for this project and the starring role that you will be taking.

Jacob Rees-Mogg replied

It seems to me, as my hon. Friend raises this question, that we could try to turn the white cliffs into Mount Rushmore and have a statue of Dame Vera Lynn there, but then I am worried that because they are made of chalk, it might not be as lasting as Mount Rushmore has proved for American Presidents. He is so right to raise this, and I know that he had an Adjournment debate on the subject on 11 May. Dame Vera Lynn was inspirational to this country at one of its lowest points and was held in the highest affection, and she continues to be fondly remembered.

The record released for the launch, with all proceeds going to the memorial fund, can be purchased from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Irreplaceable/dp/B096VMH6TH/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=irreplaceable&qid=1623927384&s=dmusic&sr=1-12