Commemorating victims of the Arandora Star tragedy of 1940

Summary

That this House welcomes Italy’s decision to establish a National Day of Remembrance in honour of the victims of the Arandora Star tragedy; notes that on 2 July 1940 the Arandora Star, carrying Italian, German and Austrian civilian detainees from the United Kingdom to Canada, was sunk by a German torpedo off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the loss of approximately 780 lives, including 446 Italians; further notes that many of those detained had lived peacefully in Britain for many years and were caught up in the fear and uncertainty of wartime following Italy's entry into the Second World War; recognises the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy on families and communities across the United Kingdom and Italy; further welcomes the unanimous approval by both Houses of the Italian Parliament of legislation establishing 11 October each year as a national day of remembrance, honouring the memory of those who died and promoting awareness of the tragedy among future generations; expresses a shared sense of regret for the suffering caused by the conflict and its consequences; celebrates the enduring friendship and close ties between the peoples of the United Kingdom and Italy; and encourages continued cooperation in commemorating this important chapter of shared history in the spirit of reconciliation and remembrance.

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Timeline

1. 12 October 2026

   Early Day Motion

   That this House welcomes Italy’s decision to establish a National Day of Remembrance in honour of the victims of the Arandora Star tragedy; notes that on 2 July 1940 the Arandora Star, carrying Italian, German and Austrian civilian detainees from the United Kingdom to Canada, was sunk by a German torpedo off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the loss of approximately 780 lives, including 446 Italians; further notes that many of those detained had lived peacefully in Britain for many years and were caught up in the fear and uncertainty of wartime following Italy's entry into the Second World War; recognises the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy on families and communities across the United Kingdom and Italy; further welcomes the unanimous approval by both Houses of the Italian Parliament of legislation establishing 11 October each year as a national day of remembrance, honouring the memory of those who died and promoting awareness of the tragedy among future generations; expresses a shared sense of regret for the suffering caused by the conflict and its consequences; celebrates the enduring friendship and close ties between the peoples of the United Kingdom and Italy; and encourages continued cooperation in commemorating this important chapter of shared history in the spirit of reconciliation and remembrance.

   Source: Early Day Motion

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Sponsors

• Tonia Antoniazzi · Labour · Primary sponsor

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