Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, was present at a commemoration event in the East Barnet Baptist Church on Saturday to mark 100 years since the start of World War One. The event was organised by East Barnet charity, Friend in Need (FIN), which provides support for people caring for elderly and disabled family members. The service was conducted by Pastor Rupert Lazar and attended by FIN supporters, as well as representatives of the Royal British Legion.
Speaking after the service, Theresa said "This was a very moving ceremony. The First World War witnessed incredible courage by millions of soldiers as well as tragedy on a vast scale. It is right that we take time to remember the sacrifice of so many members of the armed forces who gave their lives in service of their country, many of whom came from Barnet."
"I also welcomed this opportunity to support the Friend in Need charity who do so much great work supporting carers in East Barnet. People who care for elderly or disabled relatives are the unsung heroes of our community, putting their family interests before their own."
"There is huge interest in the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and I hope that interest is sustained as we move through the anniversaries of other key events such as the battle of the Somme. For the last two years I have had the privilege of representing Her Majesty's Government at the events in France on 1st July to mark the day the battle started when thousands of soldiers lost their lives."
The FIN event on Saturday is is one of a number of commemoration services to mark World War One centenaries which Theresa will be attending in the next few weeks, in Barnet, Glasgow and Belfast.