A BARNSLEY MP has urged local people to turn their lights off and light a candle tonight to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One.
Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, has given his support to the Lights Out campaign, which is inviting people across the UK to switch off their lights between 10pm and 11pm and light a single candle in a shared moment of national reflection.
The moment will mark precisely a century since Britain declared war on Germany and formally entered the First World War at 11pm on August 4, 1914.
Lights Out is inspired by the words of the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, who famously remarked on the outbreak of the war: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."
Millions of people across the UK are expected to take part, which will see hundreds of public buildings and iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Blackpool Illuminations also turning out their lights.
Mr Jarvis said: "The centenary anniversary is a unique opportunity for us to commemorate those who served and sacrificed for us on the frontline and the home front.
"I hope people will join in and turn out their lights between 10pm and 11pm. With the busy lives we lead today, the simple act of pausing, switching off the lights and lighting a candle will be a very powerful tribute."
