Following a week of opportunities to pay tribute to and recognise the contribution of Portsmouth’s Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, Stephen Morgan MP has thanked those who serve from our city for what they do in keeping Britain safe.
Mr Morgan paid tribute to the crucial role the Armed Forces play in defending our communities at home and abroad, and to the veterans who sacrificed for our country during world wars following a civic event on Southsea Common last Saturday, joining a flag raising ceremony in Guildhall Square, meeting service personnel in Parliament and visiting ‘Standing with Giants’ at Fort Nelson to see the tribute art installation for those who lost their lives in the Falklands Conflict.
The City MP has made support for veterans one of his top priorities, having recently launched a Veterans’ Voice campaign to understand local concerns regarding the Government support available.
Mr Morgan also said that the last 13 Conservative years have corroded the nation’s moral contract with those who service in our Armed Forces.
Personnel living in damp and mouldy housing, satisfaction with service life falling well below 50 per cent, and retention rates dropping. Ministry of Defence (MoD) data uncovered by Labour shows that 4,960 of personnel in Portsmouth and across Hampshire live in Grade 4 Single Living Accommodation, the lowest rating given by the MoD.
Labour has called on the MoD to ensure our heroes have good homes to live in and fully incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law.
Labour would also strengthen support for veterans, with a boost to specialist support and a plan to bring down waiting times for veteran’s mental health services as part of a £1bn commitment to ensure everyone receives treatment within a month.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey MP said that “Labour stands up for our Armed Forces. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families for the enormous contribution they make to our country.”
Mr Morgan also joined Labour Leader Keir Starmer at Labour’s Armed Forces Reception on Monday evening. The event was attended by members from the Armed Forces communities across the country to celebrate their contribution at home and abroad.
Following a week of opportunities to mark Armed Forces Week, city MP Stephen Morgan said:
“As a Portsmouth MP, I know the incredible contribution our Armed Forces make to our country.
We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families for the enormous contribution they make to our country. On Armed Forces Day, we thank them for all they do to keep Britain safe.
The next Labour Government will stand by our troops, veterans and their families. We will boost mental health support, ensure our heroes have good homes to live in and fully incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law.”
Mr Morgan has taken a range of actions to support Armed Services Personnel and Veterans in Portsmouth, through his former role as Shadow Minister for the Armed Forces, and will continue campaigning for homes fit for heroes and strengthened services and support for veterans.
