Markyate Monthly Article, August 2008

Charity of the Year - The Royal British Legion

Since my election in 2005, I have nominated one (or sometimes two!) ‘MP’s Charity of the Year’. I am very proud to say that this year I have selected the Royal British Legion.

Everyone is familiar with the work of the Royal British Legion and especially the high-profile poppy campaign and its pivotal role in the nation’s Remembrance Sunday services held every November, but the Legion is much more than that.

The Royal British Legion was first established in 1921. It now provides help and support for ex-servicemen and women – and indeed for those still serving in the Armed Forces - in a wide variety of ways, including counselling, retraining, assistance with pension and benefit applications, welfare grants, nursing homes and visits to war graves.

The Legion is also a major campaigner on issues that affect ex-servicemen and women. I have worked with them particularly on issues such as the disproportionate representation of ex-forces among the homeless in London and I have supported calls for compensation for veterans suffering from noise-induced hearing loss. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme says that veterans have to apply within 5 years of leaving the Forces which does not take into account long-term effects of hearing loss.

These past few months I have also been working with the Legion locally to encourage veterans to apply for the Veterans Badge. I very much hope veterans will be keen to be able to show their support for each other and the serving military by wearing this badge.

On August 14th we held the first presentation ceremony at the Royal British Legion Club in Hemel Hempstead. I am delighted to say that it was a very well attended event and was enjoyed by all present. I am pleased to add that there is already sufficient support for another such presentation. If you served in the Armed Forces it is not too late to apply – details can be found on my website www.mikepenning.com.