My Bill will protect the monuments to all our war dead

WHEN the nation came to a standstill earlier this month to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it gave us all the chance to reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of those who preserved the freedoms we enjoy today.

- Megan Gallacher

The debt of gratitude we owe those who fought in the Second World War and in conflicts before and since is immense and incalculable.

That's why I was delighted that a piece of legislation I'm piloting the Desecration of War Memorials Prevention Scotland Bill was published by the Scottish Parliament this week.

My Member's Bill will now go to committee and, after that, be debated and voted on by MSPs at Holyrood.

I hope and expect that it will receive support from all parties because this is not a party-political issue. It's about respect and decency.

Protecting war memorials is a subject about which I have become passionate, because I've seen how incredibly important it is to so many people. I have worked on this for several years now, and in doing so made common cause with groups such as the Friends of Dennistoun War Memorial, who have campaigned tirelessly for this legislation.

MY BILL has also secured the support of veterans' organisations and past and present British Armed Forces personnel including the Falklands hero Simon Weston, whom I had the pleasure of welcoming to Holyrood.