In the week when the UK is remembering the Battle of the Somme, the government has announced that £1.3m is to be pledged to building a new visitor centre close to several First World War battlefields in France, funded from banking fines levied on the industry in the wake of the Libor scandal
The money will be given to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to build a visitor centre near Arras in Northern France. The centre will allow visitors to learn about the battlefields, get support in planning their visits and see the CWGC’s craftsmen at work maintaining Britain’s military cemeteries.
CWGC will also use the funds to train student guides to lead tours of the Somme and Ypres battlefields.
A further £500,000 is being committed by the government to the Victoria and George Cross Association to help them ensure that graves and memorials of medal recipients worldwide are restored and kept in good condition.
Speaking at the Battle of the Somme centenary in Manchester, Osborne said: ‘It is more important than ever to remember the bravery and loyalty of our armed services in defending our country and its values. That is why I have announced nearly £2m funding today to ensure future generations understand what happened during the First World War and also that the graves of British heroes worldwide who displayed the highest valour in subsequent armed conflicts are looked after.
‘It’s right that funding from those in the banking industry who demonstrated the worst of British values goes towards remembering those who displayed the very best of British values.’
