In a speech to the House of Commons yesterday, I called for a permanent recognition of Dame Vera Lynn in Dover.
This suggestion immediately received the endorsement of Madam Deputy Speaker, who said “what a good idea”.
In my speech, I said:
“Dover and Deal is an area steeped in culture and brimming with entertainment.
“We are ambitious to make our cultural heritage the foundation stone from which we build our culture and entertainment future, for Dover and Deal are also home to leading galleries, artists, potters and live music venues. It is an area rich in the performing arts, with the Astor theatre, the Dover film festival, the Deal music and arts festival, the showcase annual Deal Marines remembrance concert, the Lighthouse music and arts pub and so much more besides.
“We are planning for the future, through Dover’s bid for the Future High Streets Fund. This further investment would allow us to bring together varied cultural and creative offerings in Dover with a brand new arts and creative centre.
“That brings me to my call for a permanent recognition for Dame Vera Lynn. There may be no bluebirds in Dover, but there will always be Vera Lynn in Dover’s heart and its musical soul. She truly encapsulates the enduring importance of entertainment and the cultural arts. It is only right that her contribution to the arts and the nation is given the recognition it deserves, and I am supporting the important campaign for this lasting legacy to her in the White Cliffs country.”