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<p>The centenary commemorations of the First World War, including the Battle of the
Somme, and the wider decade of 1912-1922 offer an important opportunity to reflect
on the shared history between the United Kingdom and Ireland.</p><p>The Prime Minister
is committed, along with the Taoiseach, to commemorating our past with mutual respect
and understanding. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and I are working with
Ministers in the Irish Government to mark the events of this decade. I have discussed
these matters on a number of occasions with them.</p><p>Marking anniversaries such
as the Battle of the Somme in a spirit of historical accuracy, mutual respect and
inclusiveness can support efforts to build a peaceful and shared future for everyone
in Northern Ireland.</p><p>Officials from my Department have regular contact with
officials in the Irish Government regarding their programme of events to mark the
anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which was announced in November 2015, and
I receive regular updates on this work.</p><br />
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