To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are considering extending the mandate of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to cover tending the graves of Victoria Cross holders.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for cemeteries and memorials at 23,000 locations around the world. The Commission commemorates the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars with dedication and skill and there are no plans to extend its remit. However, as part of our plans to commemorate the First World War centenary, we are working with the Commission to explore the scope for conserving significant burial sites outside their care. We also recently announced funding of up to £300,000, through the Department for Communities and Local Government, for the specific conservation of graves of Victoria Cross holders outside the Commission’s responsibility.