LOSS OF LIFE ON THE S.S. MENDI

Early day motion 432, tabled 13 March 2001 by Desmond Turner (Labour). Signed by 94 members.

That this House notes with deep regret the death of 670 volunteer members of a South African Native Labour Corps when the SS Mendi was sunk after a collision in the English Channel on 21st February 1917, with another British ship which did not stay to pick up survivors; regrets that the Government at the time gave no official notification or indication of regret to the relatives; and urges the Government to make a statement acknowledging the tragedy and assist with the erection of memorials in South Africa and Britain, so that surviving relatives and descendants of those who died receive recognition for these Black South Africans who gave their lives for Britain.

Signatures by party: Labour 79, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 4, Liberal Democrat 4, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.