A momument to 179 people who lost their lives in the Iraq war has been re-dedicated at a service in the Midlands today.

The Prime Minister and his wife were among those who attended the ceremony at the Basra Memorial Wall in the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire.

The wall was originally built in Basra in 2006 and was dismantled and moved to Britain after UK combat operations in Iraq ended last spring.

Following the ceremony, a minute’s silence was held and wreaths were laid at the memorial, including a wreath laid on behalf of the nation by the Prime Minister.

In an interview with the British Forces Broadcasting Service, the PM said:

“It is right that relatives, friends and families of those who died in Iraq are able to visit the National Arboretum in Staffordshire and be able to pay their respects. This is a wall that was built in Basra. I was privileged to lay a wreath at it before it was brought to this country and I think this now gives us a permanent memorial to the 179 who were killed and gave their lives.”

Gordon Brown attended the ceremony during a trip to the Midlands where he also visited a Health and Wellbeing Centre in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire. The PM toured the facilities and met staff, including dentists, physios and fitness instructors.

Earlier, Mr Brown visited the site of the new central Birmingham station as the Government announced plans for a high speed rail network.

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