Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister, has encouraged people in Wolverhampton to take a moment today to mark 100 years since the UK’s entry into the First World War.The war began on 28 July 1914 but 11pm tonight will mark precisely a century since Britain declared war on Germany and formally entered the First World War at 11pm on 4 August 1914, in response to the German invasion of Belgium and France on 3 August.

Millions of people across the UK are expected to mark the anniversary. The war lasted until November 1918. Almost 900,000 British soldiers lost their lives across the duration of the conflict in the service of their country.

Emma said: “The First World War touched every family, affected every community and fundamentally changed our country and its place in the world.

“The 100th year anniversary of the UK’s entry into the war is a unique opportunity for us to remember those men and women who served and sacrificed for us on the frontline and the home front, and to think about the profound impact the war had on our society.

“I hope people across Wolverhampton will mark this most important anniversary.”

August 2014