Jacob Rees Mogg writes:

Last Friday, the funeral for Ethan Jones was held at St. John's Church in Midsomer Norton. Ethan was in training as a Royal Marine recruit who, tragically, died during a military exercise. He was only twenty-years old.

It was obvious during the service that Ethan was well loved and highly regarded. A particularly moving tribute was paid by his military superior during the impressively conducted ceremony, demonstrating that he had been extremely capable, that he was adept at working with others and that his friends had brought out the best in him through his loyalty, honour and comradeship. His friends also spoke of his loyalty and sense of fun.

Ethan had nearly finished his thirty-two weeks of training and according to Major Ian McGill, commanding officer of Portsmouth Company: "As he approached the final weeks of training he was awarded the Commando medal - nominated by his peers in a closed ballot as the individual who best personifies the Commando spirit."

This is undeniably a difficult time for Ethan's family, friends and comrades-in-arms. The service must have been extraordinarily poignant for his family, who have been most affected by his untimely death and who have said of Ethan that he died 'fulfilling his dream and doing something that he loved'. I hope that this knowledge and the accolades that he received offer them some comfort during this sad time.

Our country is lucky to have such brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces to protect us, our nationhood and our sovereignty. Ethan was one of those people and even though he did not die in battle, he most certainly died a hero.