84th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Tilawa

That this House notes that survivors and descendants will gather in London on 23 November 2026 to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the sinking of the British passenger ship SS Tilawa during the Second World War; acknowledges newly identified survivor histories, including that of Her Excellency Mrs Nimisha Madhvani, Ugandan High Commissioner to the UK, whose family survived the disaster, and of Mrs Sarojben Patel; supports a memorial service at the Memorial Gates and a Parliamentary programme on that day; further notes proposals for a Ten Minute Rule Bill or an Adjournment debate; calls on the Government to address this historic gap in recognition by bringing forward provisions within the Armed Forces Bill to amend the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 to enable the recognition and protection of wartime civilian vessels lost in international waters while engaged in the service of the UK war effort as maritime war graves, and to ensure the protection and preservation of artefacts of public interest associated with such wrecks; further recognises the shipbuilding heritage of the North East of England and supports the development of a micro-museum in Hebburn to commemorate HMS Kelly, SS Tilawa and local shipbuilding families; encourages heritage organisations and public bodies to raise awareness of this shared maritime history across the UK and the Commonwealth; remembers with deep regret the loss of 280 passengers and crew; expresses gratitude that 678 survivors were rescued by HMS Birmingham and HMS Carthage; and honours the bravery of First Radio Officer.