Rachel has welcomed a visit to Bedworth by the Veterans Minister, Al Carns, where she introduced the Minister to the Bedworth Armistice Committee and local veterans.
On the visit the Minister was able to hear more about the year-round efforts of the Committee to deliver Bedworth’s legendary Armistice Day Parade – the largest in the country.
Al Carns MP served and led during four tours in Afghanistan and was awarded the Military Cross in 2011 ‘in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan’. The Minister also joined Rachel to take part in the Bedworth Park Run while on the visit.
The Labour government has recently announced a number of policies to support the armed forces, including investing billions more in defence, acting to end the scandal of poor-quality military housing, and giving armed forces personnel the largest pay rise in 22 years.
The government has also launched a £3.5 million fund to support veterans at risk of homelessness, and is changing social housing rules to ensure veterans are prioritised for council homes.
After the visit, Al Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence said:
“Rachel has told me on many occasions about the legendary efforts of the Bedworth Armistice Committee to organise the Bedworth Armistice Day parade, so it was a privilege to visit and meet with the Committee and local veterans myself to hear about the fantastic work they are doing. It is great to know that the spirit of remembrance lives on so strongly in Bedworth.”
Rachel said:
“Having served his country with four tours of Afghanistan, Al Carns knows the value of military service and the sacrifices our veterans in Bedworth have made for Britain.
“As a newly elected MP, it was an honour to lay a wreath during Bedworth’s Armistice Parade last year, and a real privilege to introduce the Minister to the Bedworth Armistice Committee. I am really proud of the work he is doing to support veterans to access housing and support after they finish their military service, and I know he has left Bedworth with a strong understanding of why Bedworth is known as the town that never forgets.”