The First World War must never be forgotten.  On 4 August, I attended a Vigil, with Labour Leader Ed Miliband, marking with darkness, the last hour before the centenary of the moment Britain was drawn into this war.

Alongside representatives of the armed forces and emergency services, military charities, and scouts and guides and others, we heard poetry and readings, and listened to music remembering the events that would devastate Europe during the following decades.  During the service, candles were extinguished, as we commemorated the day alongside a nationwide black out.
 
At the end a single light remained – on the tomb of the Unknown Warrier.  Outside, a sword of white light pierced the sky over London, part of the 1418 Now arts programme marking the centenary.