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The names of the fallen

Peter Henley|20:21 UK time, Wednesday, 14 July 2010

_45530316_repatriate3.jpgIt's become a solemn and often moving part of House of Commons business. The roll call of servicemen killed on active service was read out by Tony Blair and then Gordon Brown each week before Prime Minister's Questions.

It is a tradition much valued by relatives, a custom that has grown along with the ceremony at Wootton Bassett.

But on two occasions since David Cameron has taken over names have been missing, the roll call an incomplete record of those who have fallen in the service of their country.

The reason is that the Prime Minister had read out the names at an earlier House of Commons statement, in one case addressing the house after the meeting of the G20.

There had been discussion that the roll call at PMQs was taking up valuable time for questions. And MP Paul Flynn had accused the government of attempting to "smuggle out" the names at a time when they would get less attention.

Today speaker John Bercow was asked if he would intervene, insisting that the roll call continues.

He answered that he would talk to the party leaders directly, and make clear their decision "sooner rather than later."

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