Carla Lockhart said:

“Never before in my lifetime have a I witnessed such an outpouring of sorrow and grief as has been seen over the last ten days. The nation united as one to pay loving tribute to our Queen, who held such a special place in all our hearts. That over half the world’s population watched the funeral on television shows that Her Late Majesty’s reach went far beyond these shores. She was an iconic figure, respected by countries and continents the world over.

Over recent days discussion has turned to how we as a nation will pay tribute to Elizabeth II. Whatever is done will have go beyond that which has ever been done for any other monarch, reflecting the special place the Queen held in our hearts, but also reflecting her devotion to duty for over 70 years of her reign. We need a fitting, lasting, physical memorial and I know the Government will be looking at how this might be delivered in the coming days and week.

As well as this memorial, I know my Parliamentary colleague and friend, Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, is pressing the Government to have a ‘Queen Elizabeth Day’ Bank Holiday granted on an annual basis. This would allow communities across the UK to join as one in remembering her flawless reign, celebrating her life, and to do so by participation in a pan-UK holiday focussed on bringing people together. I think this is a fantastic idea, and I will be supporting Sir Iain in this campaign.”