Nick Thomas-Symonds MP invited Torfaen Councillor Jon Horlor, the Armed Forces Champion for the borough, to a reception in Parliament to mark Armed Forces Day – hosted by Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey.
The event was attended by other Labour MPs and members from the Armed Forces communities across the country to celebrate their contribution at home and abroad.
Nick Thomas-Symonds highlighted that from deployments abroad in response to the invasion of Ukraine to deployments at home during the COVID 19 pandemic, our Armed Forces are essential to our national defence, our national resilience and our national NATO obligations.
The Torfaen MP 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.
Nick Thomas-Symonds said:
“I was delighted to have invited Cllr Jon Horlor to Parliament to celebrate Armed Forces Day with Labour Leader Keir Starmer. Jon plays a vital role as Torfaen Armed Forces Champion, and I am proud of the way our community supports members of the Armed Forces.”
“Labour backs and thanks our Armed Forces. I am deeply proud of our servicemen and women – and theirs is the ultimate public service.
“Our Armed Forces play a crucial role in defending our communities at home and abroad. They showed total professionalism with their support in Torfaen during the pandemic and continue to play a crucial role in defending the UK and our NATO allies from Russian aggression.”
Cllr Jon Horlor said: “It was an honour to be invited by Nick Thomas Symonds to represent the Armed Forces past and present at Westminster as Torfaen Armed Forces Champion.”
“This was an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made in times of peace and conflict by our Forces and their families, and to discuss important issues from mental health and wellbeing to local jobs such as BAE Systems in Glascoed supplying our Armed Forces.”
“As an ex-serviceman myself I recognise the importance of these events to show our gratitude to those that served and currently serve. Thank you again to Nick for the invitation.”
