Defence Minister and South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison joined other politicians with previous service in the Armed Forces for an Act of Remembrance.

Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum attended the ceremony at the Guards Chapel, within London’s Wellington Barracks, to pay their respects to the fallen.

It is believed to be the first time Armed Forces veterans in the House of Commons have gathered in this way.

More than 50 of the 650 MPs in the House of Commons have served their country, either in the regular forces or in reservist organisations.

Dr Murrison, in the Royal Navy from 1981 to 2000 and is still a Surgeon Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve, said: “MPs send sailors, soldiers and airmen into conflict and it is right that they reflect on what this may ultimately mean.”

The event, last Thursday, ahead of national commemorations on Sunday, was organised by Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois, who was in the Territorial Army.