New website

We have now launched our new website at www.munitionsworkers.com.

Please visit that site for all the latest news, new features are being added all the time.

Fundraising campaign to launch tonight

Tonight will see the official launch of the APPG’s fundraising efforts for a permanent memorial to munitions workers at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The event in Parliament, held in conjunction with BAE Systems, will see MPs being joined by former munitions workers and campaign supporters, as the APPG launches its efforts to raise between £75,000 and £100,000 for the memorial.

Chair of the Group, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, said

“Since our formation over two years ago the All-Party Group on Recognition of Munitions Workers has succeeded in bringing former munitioneers to London to take part in the Remembrance service and has launched a research project with the Imperial War Museum aimed at bringing together as much information as possible about the munitions industry. Now as we enter the next stage of our campaign it is vital we re-double our efforts. Munitions workers sacrificed so much during our country’s darkest hours and they deserve a lasting memorial.”

Munitions Workers debate now available to watch again

Tuesday’s debate on recognising munitions workers from the two world wars is now available to watch again at http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/house-of-commons-21942627

The debate was well attended by MPs and featured passionate speeches from Members of both sides of the House.  The full Hansard transcript of the debate is available by clicking here.

Members spoke about the critical work that was done by munitions workers and the importance of moving quickly to provide recognition for those that survive today.  The APPG is hopeful that this debate – together with the launch event of our fundraising campaign in Parliament on 15th April and our upcoming meeting with the Minister with responsibility for this area – will provide a huge boost to our calls for recognition for these forgotten heroes of the First and Second world wars.

Recognition of Munitions Workers to be debated in Parliament

This coming Tuesday, 26th March, recognition of munitions workers will be debated in Parliament.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Recognition of Munitions Workers have secured the debate ahead of our fundraising launch in April.  The debate means that a Government Minister will be required to respond to our calls for recognition, and will help to further raise the profile of the campaign.

The debate will start at 9.30am and run for 90 minutes, and should be available to watch at http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/ by clicking on ‘Westminster Hall’.  We will be encouraging as many Members of Parliament as possible to attend the event, so if you would like your MP to come along then please e-mail them and let them know.

Fundraising Campaign to Launch on April 15th

We will be officially launching our fundraising campaign for a permanent memorial to munitions workers at an event in Parliament on April 15th.

Following a meeting with the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire in December 2011 it was decided that we would look to raise the necessary funds for a memorial to munitions workers.  In order to make this a reality we need to raise upwards of £75,000, and this launch event will hopefully raise awareness of our campaign and kickstart our fundraising efforts.

We’ll be providing more information in the weeks ahead about the event and how you can contribute to our efforts.  In the meantime, contact your MP and tell them to expect an invite to the event in the next few weeks, and let us know of any response you receive.

Munitions Workers to march at Cenotaph ceremony

This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in London will mark a historic moment in the campaign for formal recognition of the work carried out by munitions workers.

On Sunday 11th November a small group of former workers will take part in the annual event at the Cenotaph on Whitehall.  This will be the first time ever that munitions workers have been able to take part and is a big step towards proper recognition of the work they did and the sacrifices they made.

The group will be formed of workers from factories in England, Scotland and Wales, and our wreath will be laid by Margaret Proudlock.  Speaking about the event, Margaret said,

“Working in the factory was difficult and dangerous work, but we all did it to help our country in its time of need.  It will be a great honour to lay the wreath on behalf of all munitions workers.  We have waited a long time for this opportunity”.

Margaret’s Member of Parliament, Russell Brown,  is a member of the APPG and will be present in London on Sunday. He said,

“Armistice Day is always a moving occasion where we remember all those who have given their lives in defence of our country.  This year it will have even more special meaning for the thousands of former munitions workers and their families.  Munitions workers played a vital part in the war effort and deserve to be recognised by our country.  Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to these heroes on the Home Front.”

Welcome

Welcome to the website of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Recognition of Munitions Workers.  Our sole purpose is to obtain formal recognition for the hundreds of thousands of people who worked in the manufacture of munitions in the two world wars.

Check back in the next few days for updates on the campaign, more information on why it is so important, and details of how you can get involved.