Commemorative plaque at Westminster Abbey

Her Majesty The Queen witnessed the dedication of a plaque in Westminster Abbey to honour the memory of those that have worked and currently work for the intelligence and security services. This marked 100 years since the formation of the services that became the Security Service (MI5) the Special Intelligence Service (MI6) and GCHQ.

The Service, which took place on Wednesday 14 October in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey, was attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prime Minister. The Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary were also in attendance, alongside the heads of the three agencies, serving members of staff and the Dean and Chapter of the Abbey.

During the event The Prime Minister said:

"Whether in confronting the might of imperial Germany and then the axis powers; bringing the Cold War to its end; or curbing the modern terror that has its roots in the mountains of Afghanistan, our intelligence services have been at the very heart of the fight to defend our freedom, our security and our democratic way of life.

So, as we gather this afternoon at the unveiling of John Maine's magnificent and timeless plaque, in the ancient cloisters of this majestic abbey, and with the gracious permission of the dean, let us reflect with thanks upon a hundred years of selfless service, and let us affirm together our faith in that great tradition as it adapts to ever changing tasks and challenges.

For two years now I have seen in detail, day in, day out, how well it serves us still.

So today, let me say to the men and women of our security and intelligence services - the debt of gratitude we owe you runs deeper than we can ever know, and for that you have the thanks of our entire nation".

The granite plaque is the work of sculptor John Maine and bears the Royal Cypher, the initials of the three services and the inscription: "Recognising service at home and abroad protecting the United Kingdom since 1909".

14 October 2009

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