Dame Vera Lynn statue campaign backed by PM

The prime minister has backed a campaign to install a Dame Vera Lynn statue near the White Cliffs of Dover.

More than £1m has been raised to create the memorial of the forces' sweetheart, who immortalised the famous Kent landmark in one of her songs.

Mark Francois, an Essex MP, called on Sir Keir Starmer's support during Prime Minister's Questions.

Sir Keir said the legacy of Dame Vera, who died aged 103 in 2020, was "sewn into our nation's soul".

The topic was raised in the House of Commons ahead of Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemorations on 8 May.

Dame Vera's songs - including We'll Meet Again, The White Cliffs of Dover and As Time Goes By - helped raise morale during World War Two.

The location of her statue has been up for debate for years, but Francois, the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, said a site in Dover had been secured.

"Those who fought in World War Two, including my own father, will often attest that no-one did more to maintain their morale in adversity than Dame Vera Lynn," he said.

Francois praised the "doughty band of campaigners" who have been raising funds to create the statue, expected to cost about £1.5m, since 2021.

"I'm pleased to tell the house they now have a stunning design, they have a site - appropriately at Dover - and they've already raised over three quarters of the funding," the MP added.

"So, at this very special time, would the prime minister lend his support in principle to this noble endeavour?"

Sir Keir responded by saying the fundraising work was "really important" and that people had been "delighted" by it.

He continued: "Dame Vera is sewn into our nation's soul by providing the soundtrack for our greatest generation."

Referencing VE Day, the prime minister added: "It is particularly timely, so I will support the campaign."

The Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Statue website said £350,000 was needed to complete the memorial.

Organisers hoped to unveil it in a location "near the White Cliffs" in June, marking the fifth anniversary of Dame Vera's death.

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