Prime Minister Theresa May wishes Dame Vera Lynn a happy 100th birthday with Dover MP Charlie Elphicke
13:30, 22 March 2017
One of Britain’s most remarkable woman got a 100th birthday greeting from Britain’s most powerful.
Theresa May gave her congratulations to Dame Vera Lynn during Prime Minister’s Questions today.
The Prime Minister made her remark after encouragement by Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke.
It was as he raised another point about Brexit.
She said: “I didn’t have the opportunity to do it in this House a couple of days ago so I’m happy to join my Honourable Friend in wishing Dame Vera Lynn a happy 100th birthday this week.
"I think it’s right that we should recognise the service that she gave to this country as many others did.”
Mr Elphicke had first asked Speaker John Bercow: “Mr Speaker will you join in wishing Dame Vera Lynn a happy 100th birthday this week and thanking her for her service to the White Cliffs and the nation.”
Mr Bercow said that he already had “a couple of days ago,” on Monday when she turned 100.
A flypast for that day, over the South Foreland Lighthouse at St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, was cancelled because of bad weather but rescheduled for the next day.
Vera Lynn was the Forces' Sweetheart during the Second World War as a morale-boosting singer for British troop.
One of her most famous songs was (There’ll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover.
Mr Elphicke had originally brought up the question of whether the Kent ports would be ready for Brexit.
He said: “For centuries Prime Ministers have taken a close personal interest in the effectiveness of Dover and the Channel Ports as gateways and guardians of the Kingdom.
“So can I ask my Right Honourable Friend to take a close interest that Kent ports are ready for Brexit on day one not just for customs but that the M20 lorry park is on schedule and the A2 upgrade and Lower Thames crossing are taken forward.”
Mrs May replied: “My Honourable Friend raises an important issue of transport links in Kent.
"It’s one he and I have discussed on a number occasions and one I have with other Kent MPs.
“In addition to the M20 lorry park, the DfT (Department for Transport) is fully committed to delivering a long term solution as quickly as possible.
"They are currently considering findings of the Lower Thames Crossing consultation and Highways England will be doing more detailed work on the A2.
“The Home Office will be looking very closely at what measures need to in place for Brexit for those coming across the border into Dover.”
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