A new bank holiday to commemorate Britain’s war dead is being planned for the second Monday of November.

The proposed bank holiday would fall on the day after Remembrance Sunday. More than 180,000 people have signed an online petition in support of the move.

The holiday is part of a government initiative to improve the morale of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. A review was called in response to concerns that, like some veterans, young servicemen and women feel unappreciated upon their return to Britain following active service.

Quentin Davies, chair of the review, said: “People have said they do not get the welcome of their American allies when they get home. There should be more exposure to the military.”

Gordon Brown may adopt the review’s suggestion that more parades be held for soldiers returning from the front line, and that there should be additional open days at airfi elds and naval and army bases.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, professional head of the Army, called for more homecoming parades in September last year. He said: “I have become increasingly concerned about the growing gulf between the Army and the nation. There has been some opposition though. One peace activist who has campaigned for the return of British soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan chose to remain anonymous but contacted Islamic Times to say;

“Whilst we do not object to returning soldiers being honoured for serving their country, we do object to the British government failing to acknowledge the victims of war, who have indiscriminately suffered gravely for many years in illegal wars.”

“We would rather this bank holiday was used as an opportunity to honour all war dead, and not just the soldiers.” he added.