To celebrate Armed Forces Week some of you may have seen that the Armed Forces Day flag has been proudly flying from my office in Burnley town centre all week. Because although I've been in Parliament for most of it I wanted to show my appreciation for everything our Armed Forces do. Regulars, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families.
In normal times Armed Forces Week is marked by a series of events. Reservists Day, this week on the Wednesday, is an opportunity for those who give up their spare time for military service to wear their uniform to work and get the recognition they deserve as an integral part of our defence. Cadet forces celebrating the opportunities they provide to our young people. And all our serving personnel, their families, and more, coming together on Armed Forces Day.
Whilst not all of that is possible this year, I’m pleased that we’ve still been able to do our bit.
On Monday members of the armed forces community joined local Councillors, veterans and cadets in a flag raising ceremony in Towneley Park. On Wednesday I was able to put my appreciation on record in Parliament as I spoke in a debate. And on Saturday, Burnley based charity Healthier Heroes are holding a celebration outdoors on Elizabeth street to mark Armed Forces Day itself. The street will be closed off with a showing from the army, a fun fair, food and drink stalls and live music on offer providing fun for all the family.
The Parliamentary Business Managers, who schedule when each Bill will come for debate, worked hard to ensure this week we would consider a number of important issues relating to the armed forces, including debate on the Armed Forces Bill. The requirements for the legislation date back to the Bill of Rights 1688 which mandates Parliament to authorise the maintenance of a disciplined force during peacetime.
But the legislation this year goes further than just approving the maintenance of our military forces. It also, for the first time, places the Armed Forces Covenant on the statute book, guaranteeing that no service man or woman, veteran, or their family, will be at a disadvantage when it comes to housing, healthcare or education as a result of their service. It is sometimes easy to brush this off and say that there isn’t any disadvantage, but I know from my own casework that there can be. It is often inadvertent, but it requires fixing nonetheless.
I was fortunate enough to speak in the debate and my focus was on the threats we still face, the importance of getting the Covenant right as we enshrine it in law, and immigration fees for non-UK personnel which we must end.
When I said I would do everything in my power to support and protect our armed forces I meant it.
I also highlighted the huge contribution the Army, Royal Navy and Air Force have made to our Covid-19 response. On more than 300 occasions they have been called on to support the NHS, local authorities and Government departments. It has involved more than 5,000 personnel from the regulars and reserves, using their unique skills as well as providing a surge in numbers. Running test sites, vaccinating people, managing logistics, and setting up Nightingale Hospitals. Each time they have assisted they have done so admirably, without hesitation, and without fanfare.
I have also been fortunate in the last 9 months to have joined with a small number of other MPs in taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. Ran by the services themselves, with the support of the Ministry of Defence, it allows Parliamentarians to gain an insight into military life through visits to units and regiments.
Despite the challenges of COVID, and the need to postpone a number of such visits, I have found it invaluable. It has been clear that those who serve, from the youngest recruits to the most experienced officers, have a commitment to service that should humble us all.
Armed Forces Day is a day when we recognise the enormous contribution that our armed forces make. This is not about solemn remembrance, as armistice day is, but about celebration.
So, to all those who form part of the armed forces family, past and present, thank you.
