EDM 1597: 30th anniversary of the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption in Montserrat

That this House commemorates the 30th anniversary of the eruption of the Soufrière Hills volcano in Montserrat in July 1995, a catastrophic natural disaster that profoundly changed the lives of Montserratians and led to the devastation of the island’s capital, Plymouth; remembers with solemn respect those who suffered displacement and loss in the wake of the eruption; pays tribute to the remarkable resilience, determination and courage of the Montserratian people who, in the face of immense adversity, endured, rebuilt and preserved their unique culture and identity; recognises the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and Montserrat as a cherished part of the British family; honours the legacy of representatives and community leaders such as Kei-Retta Farrell, Janice Panton MBE and the late Lloyd Thomas for their tireless advocacy for Montserrat in the UK; acknowledges that, while progress has been made in areas such as housing, healthcare and infrastructure, much work remains to be done to support the island’s full recovery, including the urgent need for a modern port and improved access to the north of the island; calls on the Government to renew and strengthen its commitment to the people of Montserrat through meaningful investment and partnership; and reaffirms the support of this House for the ongoing efforts to ensure a prosperous future for Montserrat in recognition, not only of the island's past sacrifices, but of its rightful place in the shared future as a British Overseas Territories and a cherished part of the British family.