Stephen Morgan MP welcomed a number of local members of the armed forces community at a reception in Parliament this week, with Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, as the country prepares to mark Armed Forces Day this Saturday.
The event was attended by other Labour MPs and members of the armed forces community from across the country to celebrate the contribution service personnel, veterans and their families, both at home and abroad.
The Portsmouth South MP highlighted that from deployments abroad in response to the invasion of Ukraine, to deployments at home during the COVID 19 pandemic, the Armed Forces are essential to our national defence, our national resilience and our national NATO obligations.
Mr Morgan also stressed that the Conservatives have left our Armed Forces with weakened foundations. The Conservatives have cut the Army to its smallest size in 300 years and Ministers must halt army cuts now. Labour would also strengthen support for veterans – and boost veterans mental health support by £35m.
Armed Forces Day is held each year on the last Saturday of June to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our UK Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. This year’s events in the city will be taking place at the Historic Dockyard this Saturday.
The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan MP, said:
“I was delighted to welcome members of our city’s armed forces community to Parliament this week to celebrate Armed Forces Day with Labour Leader Keir Starmer.
“Our Armed Forces play a crucial role in defending our communities at home and abroad. They showed total professionalism with their support during the pandemic and continue to play a crucial role in defending the UK and our NATO allies from Russian aggression.
“Labour’s commitment to our Armed Forces is unbreakable. I am deeply proud of our service men and service women, veterans and their families in Portsmouth, and I want to thank them for their incredible service as we prepare to mark Armed Forces Day later this week.”
Photo of Stephen Morgan MP with Louise Purcell and Chris Purcell. Chris is a Falklands veteran and HMS Sheffield survivor. Both Chris and Louise have raised a fantastic £1m for the Poppy Appeal from Portsmouth.
