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World War I and World War II: Women

Asked by Mary GlindonLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 11 June 2025UIN 57634

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of sponsoring a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to the Canary Girls munitions factory workers in the (a) First and (b) Second World War.

Answered by Al Carns

The Government recognises the hard work of the Munitions workers and is extremely grateful for their input and sacrifices made during both world wars often working in harsh conditions, to ensure that our soldiers were well equipped during the war effort.

The role of munitions workers, largely carried out by women during the First and Second World Wars, was critical to victory. It is important that their effort and sacrifice, often undertaken in dangerous conditions, is remembered.

This is not an issue for which the Ministry of Defence is responsible, and in the past was addressed by the former Ministry for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

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