Written questions

SS Tilawa

Commons · Question 128238 · Tabled 20 Apr 2026 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office · Official record

Answered 27 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by Bob Blackman

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take diplomatic steps to encourage the Japanese government to formally acknowledge and apologise for the sinking of the SS Tilawa in 1942.

Answer

Answered by Seema Malhotra, 27 Apr 2026

The sinking of the S.S. Tilawa was an appalling tragedy which continues to resonate eight decades on. Our thoughts remain with all the families who lost loved ones on that day, and the Government supports their efforts to commemorate the tragedy, includin...