Kings Langley Villager Article, June 2008

Supporting our forces

Perhaps one of my lesser known roles at Parliament is as Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Army.

It is in this capacity that I took it upon myself to initiate Parliamentary ‘Welcome Home’ Receptions to welcome home military formations on their return from operational postings overseas.

I hosted the first such reception towards the end of last year for 12 Mech Brigade on their return from Afghanistan and last month we repeated the occasion for newly returned 52 Brigade.

Such receptions have never been organised before and I am pleased that such a large number of men and women of all ranks – from the most junior through to the Brigade Commander – have been able to attend and meet the Secretary of State for Defence, the Speaker and MPs.

Parliament sends these young people to risk their lives on our behalf and it is only right that we should express our thanks to them.

I have now received a very supportive letter from the Secretary of State for Defence and these events will, in future, be hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons. I am absolutely delighted that they will now become a regular and permanent feature of the Westminster calendar.

Veterans Badge

I am a keen supporter of UK Armed Forces Veteran’s Lapel Badge which was introduced in 2004 and I call on all local veterans to apply to help raise the profile of veterans and promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public. All those who have served in HM Armed Forces are eligible. If you would like more information about how to apply, please contact my office on 01442 450444 or visit my website www.mikepenning.com for an application form. There is also a UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge for people who served in the Merchant Navy during military operations.

I am committed to raising the level of home support for our forces and veterans and I fully support this initiative as part of that.