Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to all those in Stockport that served in our military

Armed Forces Day takes place tomorrow and it is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to all those in our military and their role in defending and supporting our communities at home and abroad. As part of this, I’m looking forward to attending an event in my constituency with Stockport Normandy Veterans Legacy.

I am grateful to all veterans and serving personnel, many of which do so much in our community to provide support and bring people together. There are many examples, but Peter Millns of the Stockport branch of the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs is one. I’ve had the opportunity to visit this wonderful club during my time as MP and have met the incredible people such as Peter who give their time to help run the club and provide such a worthy service. Peter is an inspirational individual and is the driving force behind our local branch, helping to create a close-knit community for Stockport veterans.

Peter is not unique, though. Liz Murray from the Stockport branch of the Royal British Legion also does so much to support our veteran community in the town. The help that the likes of Liz and Peter give to armed forces personnel past and present is vital, and it is never more important than at times such as the pandemic or the current cost of living crisis, which are particularly challenging and can place an even greater burden on our veterans.

From deployments abroad in response to the invasion of Ukraine to deployments at home during the COVID pandemic, our Armed Forces play an important role throughout our country. Just during Covid alone, 34,000 military personnel were involved in efforts to tackle the pandemic across the UK, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

I’m also proud, therefore, that the Labour Party supports our Armed Forces and has a strong commitment to the servicemen and women of this country.

I hope you all enjoy Armed Forces Day and I would like to send my very best wishes to everyone who is organising events across Stockport constituency.