Speaker pays tribute to serving personnel as Parliament opens Gardens of Remembrance

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has led MPs in a service marking the opening of three House of Commons Gardens of Remembrance.

They contain Remembrance stakes representing each of the 650 constituencies in the UK, the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth, 14 British Overseas Territories, and three Crown Dependencies. 

At a special ceremony in New Palace Yard, the Speaker said it was an opportunity for "remembering the part that Parliament plays, in the end, decisions are made here".

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Religious or secular Remembrance tributes will be added to the Constituency Garden of Remembrance from today.

Each will feature a written dedication to an individual, regiment or community.

As Parliament begins a series of events to mark Remembrance, Mr Speaker paid tribute to those currently serving.

"We ask so much of you and you don't complain, you get on and do it," he said. "I am in awe of what you do and I cannot thank you enough. We're here for you.

"Parliament does believe in you and you believe in democracy.

"So thank you for serving your country so well. It really, really is appreciated."