‘Thanks to those who dedicate their lives to our public services,’ says South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy
In his fortnightly column, South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy pays tribute to our servicemen and women…
As we celebrate Christmas and the New Year it inevitably provides a period for reflection and to give thanks, especially to the backbone of our country - those who dedicate their lives to our public services.
This dedication was at the forefront of my mind during December as I had the honour of serving on the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill Committee in Parliament.
A Bill Committee reviews new legislation in detail, going through wording in meticulous detail as well as receiving written and oral evidence from appropriate organisations. The Armed Forces Commissioner Bill is an important piece of legislation that will establish and ensure the recruitment of an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to improve service life for our Armed Forces and their families right across the country including here in West Norfolk. It is a brand-new role with new powers which are warmly welcomed by serving personnel.
After 14 years of Tory cuts to our British Army, including losing 23 regiments, Labour is making sure that our service men and women are backed and looked after. The Commissioner will be a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families, to raise issues which impact service life, from kit to housing and issues affecting family life.
As someone from a family where military service is in our blood, this is an issue I care about deeply. In one of my constituency surgeries in Downham, I met a serving member of our armed forces who is no longer operationally deployable because he is forced to home-school his child because of failure in relation to special educational needs provision in Norfolk. I was able to raise this example when scrutinising the Bill and discussing the often appalling and unacceptable housing conditions that face too many of our personnel. I was also able to pass on regards to Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory and praise the work of Norfolk volunteers involved with SSAFA – Soldier's & Sailors and Families Association.
South West Norfolk has a long and proud history supporting our armed forces, so ensuring that our service men and women have an independent voice will remain a priority for me an MP. Since taking office, the Labour government has reiterated its commitment to long-term defence spending, with the goal of increasing it to 2.5% of GDP over this parliament. Labour will also give our troops the biggest pay rise for our troops in over 20 years, highlighting just how key to the Labour government’s mission military morale and retention is.
I would like to wish all the Lynn News readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, especially those who are serving overseas through the Festive Season.
