Every year, on the eleventh day of the eleventh hour of the eleventh month, we mark Armistice Day across the country.

We remember those who fought for our future through some of the most gruelling conditions imaginable, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We will never forget their service.

In Barnsley, there is always much going on in the weeks leading up to the occasion, and this year has been no exception.

There have been a number of events taking place across Barnsley, from services of remembrance to poppy selling, and lots of local people have been proudly wearing their poppies and paying their respects.

These events take a lot of co-ordinating and hard work, and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the brilliant staff and volunteers who dedicated their time to ensuring that people across Barnsley have been able to pay tribute to those who fought for our country.

In Westminster, I joined the Royal British Legion once again to support their Poppy Ride, which takes place every year in Parliament, and helps to raise awareness of the bravery of our armed service personnel.

I planted a stake in the Parliamentary Garden of Remembrance dedicated to the fallen of Barnsley South.

Each MP has a plot in the garden to ensure that all constituencies across the country are given the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served.

Over the past five years, we have relied on our armed forces as the world has seen a period of heightened tension.

Remembrance Day is indeed an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have fought previously, like my grandad in World War II, but also to those involved in more recent conflicts.

Many of us will be thinking of those fighting in Ukraine and the people caught in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Whether through direct conflict or in other ways, our armed forces are essential in keeping us safe.

They were vital in the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination, with over 5,000 military personnel conducting community testing, increasing hospital capacity, and delivering PPE and ventilators to medical staff at some of the most difficult times in recent history.

Our service personnel keep us safe in many ways, working hard and putting themselves at risk for our safety.

I know that people across Barnsley will be marking Armistice Day across the weekend.

Thank you to all those who have served, past and present, for risking so much for our country. We will never forget your sacrifice.