I was pleased to get time off from parliamentary duties to be here in Portsmouth to welcome the Queen and Prince Philip to our City as part of the 65th commemoration of D Day. Although it was a grey and drizzly day it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowds gathered to meet her.

It reminded me of the excitement surrounding the 50th anniversary in 1994 when heads of state from all over the world gathered in Portsmouth, including President Bill Clinton from the USA as well of course as our own Queen. We are now 65 years on from the D Day landings and the number of people still here who took part are diminishing, but it is important that we never forget the bravery of our servicemen and women during those dark days of the Second World War. But it was not just front line forces that made sacrifices. Portsmouth was badly hit during the war and civilians did their bit too.

At the veterans reception in the Guildhall I was lucky enough to meet some indomitable women from the Land Army and the Timber Corps who told me of their exploits and adventures during the war years.

At that time Portsmouth was a target for enemy forces because then, as now, it was the UK’s premier naval port. We are all very proud of our naval base, which is why I was delighted to spearhead the campaign that ensured its survival during the last Naval Base Review. Everyone in the campaign worked so hard and I would like to pay tribute to all involved.

The success of this campaign, together with the contract for the new carriers demonstrates the importance that the Labour Government places on the Navy’s contribution to the defence of our country, and the importance of Portsmouth to the Royal Navy. Sadly David Cameron, when asked, was not able to commit to the future of the carriers under the Tories, and Nick Harvey, the Lib Dem defence spokesperson has said he would prefer Portsmouth Naval base to close. These are things the voters of Portsmouth should bear in mind.