The Prime Minister has attended the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the three security and intelligence agencies to mark 100 years of service.
The event at Westminster Abbey for the Secret Intelligence Service, the Security Service, and GCHQ was in honour of the memory of all those who have worked, and do work, for the intelligence and security services.
The event was also attended by the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, the Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, Dean and Chapter of the Abbey, Heads of the agencies and serving members of staff.
During the event Gordon Brown 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 Queen presented the plaque to the Abbey and the Prime Minister replied on behalf of the services. The plaque was designed and sculpted in granite by John Main RA.
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