Every day, with no desire for praise or recognition, the brave men and women of our armed forces make incredible sacrifices, and act with such bravery, as they serve, and protect, this country.
Only this week the terrible news of the death of the soldier from the Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland in Afghanistan reached all of us. I am sure that all our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. As with all military families when faced with the loss of a loved one that unique combination of pride and dignity in paying their final respects will be demonstrated when the time comes to honour the fallen soldier’s memory.
But it is not just families of those who serve in the military, or who have made the ultimate sacrifice in that service, who wish to pay their respects to our armed forces and to give them the recognition they deserve but do not seek. The British public at large often wishes to express their gratitude and respect for those who serve, selflessly, in our name.
I recently spoke with a lady from my constituency who is a member of the War Widows Association. She was anxious that the use of RAF Brize Norton for repatriation flights would impact upon the ability of the British public to pay their respects to their fallen military personnel.
With her concerns in mind I sought confirmation from the Ministry of Defence on this issue. I was greatly pleased to receive confirmation from the Rt Hon Andrew Robathan MP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, in the Chamber of the House of Commons on Monday that the process of public demonstrations of respect and gratitude would not be affected by these changes.
The RAF is spending £3.2m on a new repatriation centre specifically for the families of the bereaved as part of the alterations to the present route and the Government, working alongside the Royal British Legion, is refurbishing the repatriation route in order to ensure the highest levels of dignity and respect can be achieved.
Above all the repatriation of fallen personnel to their families is the most important issue at hand. But I do believe that the Government is fully committed to ensuring that the people of this country, for whom these brave soldiers have given their lives, will be able to continue to demonstrate their great admiration, and show their solemn recognition, for the incredible sacrifices which they have made as they make their final journey home.