Today is the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, so it’s fitting that we use this opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made in WW2. Edinburgh South West has a rich military history, being home to both Redford and Dreghorn Military Barracks.

I recently learned that RAF Kirknewton, currently home to 661 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, was the base for No. 309 “Land of Czerwień” Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron in WW2, equipped with North American Mustangs (Mk 1/A). Although they were in Edinburgh South West for only a few months, their presence reminds us that the UK did not stand alone against tyranny.

Industries across Edinburgh South West also focused on the war effort, notably the North British Rubber Company (now Edinburgh Printmakers), where women produced everything from gas masks to tyres for army vehicles and barrage balloon fabric.

It was not until the final days of the war that the public understood the full extent of the murderous ambitions of the Nazis. To mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp by British troops, I recently had the honour of meeting two remarkable individuals who witnessed the scenes firsthand.

One was Susan Pollack OBE (now 94), a survivor of both Bergen-Belsen and Auschwitz-Birkenau, and she shared her story of liberation. I also met Mervyn Kersh (now 100), a Normandy veteran and Bergen-Belsen liberator. He vividly recounted what he saw in Belsen, and has faithfully returned to Normandy each year to commemorate D-Day.

In the build up to VE day, I co-sponsored a debate in Parliament led by Jim Shannon MP asking that SAS legend Lieutenant Colonel Robert “Paddy” Mayne (DSO & Three Bars) be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. I am delighted that the MoD has agreed to consider the matter.

Please take a moment today to reflect on the sacrifices made in World War 2.