Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. The remembrance period offers an opportunity for us all to remember, reflect and recognise the contribution of those who have served and those who continue to serve. It's a time to pause and to collectively pay tribute to the all too many who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to reaffirm our support for veterans and communities across our country. It's a privilege to lead the Welsh Government's work in supporting our veterans and armed forces community, and it's a privilege to be able to lead this Government debate today, ahead of Armistice Day on Thursday and Remembrance Sunday.

Both days serve as a poignant reminder of those who have served and fought through conflicts and campaigns and served in peace-keeping missions throughout our long history—men and women from across the UK and Commonwealth countries, whose bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Earlier today, I had the pleasure of supporting the Royal British Legion's Cardiff Poppy Day, where I joined with Roy Noble and the military band to meet volunteers who are marking 100 years of the poppy appeal. So, this year, the Royal British Legion celebrates its hundredth birthday, and that's a century of providing support and services for our armed forces community.

Indeed, this year has seen a number of significant and special anniversaries remembered. We commemorated the Royal Air Force's eighty-first anniversary of the battle of Britain, albeit delayed for a year from the eightieth anniversary commemorations because of the coronavirus pandemic. In September, I attended a service in Westminster Abbey to honour the remarkable effort and the eventual victory of the RAF during the battle of Britain in 1940. And I took part in the opening of the Wales and the battle of Britain exhibition in Cardiff, to recognise not just the contribution of those who became known as 'the few', but the role that communities across the country played in supporting the effort and coming together. Five hundred and forty-four RAF pilots and air crew lost their lives in the battle of Britain, including 67 Welshmen, a number of whom won gallantry awards for bravery. They included pilot Flying Officer Harold Bird-Wilson and Sergeant Glyn Griffiths, flying Hurricanes with 17 Squadron. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

In 2021, we have also paid tribute to the work of armed forces in more recent operations, notably the thirtieth anniversary of the Gulf War. Over 53,000 members of the UK armed forces were deployed during the conflict, with 47 British personnel losing their lives and many more wounded. We pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. And many of you will remember, or have seen since the pictures from Bluff Cove during the Falklands war of 1982. British forces, including those from Wales, lost their lives or were severely injured during the sinking of the RFA Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram and through the ensuing campaign. Preparations are under way across Wales to mark next year's fortieth anniversary.