Mark Pawsey MP has declared his support for The Royal British Legion’s ‘Count Them In’ campaign, which calls for questions on the Armed Forces community to be included in the next UK Census.
It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a tenth of the population. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including new questions on the next census would provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community.
Mark met with representatives of The Royal British Legion, veterans and Service personnel to discuss the campaign in Parliament on Monday 13 June.
Mark commented:
“It was an honour to meet with members of the Armed Forces community who, along with their families, make huge sacrifices in the service of our country. Rugby is the home of D Company, 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment, who form part of our growing Army Reserve and I know that their service is valued by Rugby residents, who have expressed their support for the ‘Count Them In’ campaign. I was very pleased to be able offer my support, and the support of residents who have contacted me about this campaign.”
Mark continued:
“Supporting our veterans is something I have a particular interest in, as during the last Parliament I worked closely with the then Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, the Rt. Hon. Anna Soubry MP. I have also had the pleasure of taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which gave me a great opportunity to see first-hand the incredible dedication, perseverance and courage of these remarkable men and women.”
Mark concluded:
“It cannot be right that our Servicemen and women, veterans and their families are effectively hidden from official statistics, so I’m only too happy to back the call for new questions to be added to the next UK Census. We count on them, so let’s count them in.”
About The Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion’s work is encapsulated in its motto: Live On – to the memory of the fallen and the future of the living. The Legion is the nation's biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is the national custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy. www.britishlegion.org.uk.
#CountThemIn
The #CountThemIn campaign was launched by The Royal British Legion on May 16th with a series of photographs featuring four veterans painted into their surroundings to highlight that in the current census, they are invisible amongst the general population. The pictures show the veterans hidden at the Houses of Parliament in London, a library in Manchester, a café in Plymouth and a rugby ground in Cardiff. For more information or copies of the images please contact bherbert@britishlegion.org.uk.