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June 2011 Mercury Column

Posted by Brandon Lewis, MP for Great Yarmouth, at 14:10, Thu 16 June 2011:

A DEFINING moment of the last government, that demonstrated exactly how out of touch with public opinion they had become, was the Ghurkha campaign lead by Joanna Lumley.

Eventually, following enormous political pressure the government was forced in to a humiliating U-turn and retired Ghurkha soldiers offered British citizenship, along with full pension rights. An historic wrong was reversed as their brave service to this country was properly acknowledged.

The way we treat both our serving and retired military personnel is at the forefront of political debate again, following David Cameron’s confirmation that, for the first time, the military covenant will be enshrined in British law. This states that serving personnel will be called upon to make personal sacrifices – including the ultimate sacrifice – and that they and their families should expect fair treatment and to be valued, respected and properly rewarded. The exact details of what additional rights will be included are still to be determined but it is likely to mean better housing and medical care.

We have a duty of care to our armed forces, to provide good accommodation, fair levels of pay, fair medical support and good equipment for our troops.

In Great Yarmouth, we have an opportunity to show our support to the men and women who have served Queen and country, and continue to do so in the dangerous and unstable world we live in today.

On Saturday, June 11, I will host a Poppy Day Party coffee morning in the Market Square between 10am and noon, ahead of my taking part in the Fritton Triathlon.

This is part of a weekend-long celebration organised by the Royal British Legion, to highlight the vital work the legion carries out and to recognise their longstanding connection with the people of the UK.

As the first MP in the country to sign up in support of this campaign, I am delighted that local voluntary youth groups will help out on the day and local businesses our generously sponsoring the event. The Royal British Legion has a long history of honouring and supporting our armed forces and it is important to remember the vital role they play in the lives of service men and women up and down the country.

There’s an open invitation to residents and visitors to attend for a cup of tea and a slice of cake in support of this good cause. I look forward to seeing many of you on the day.