John Healey invited local Rotherham, Rawmarsh and Parkgate Royal British Legion Chairman, Ron Moffatt MBE, to join him and Labour Leader Keir Starmer at a special reception to mark Armed Forces Day in Westminster.
The event was attended by other Labour MPs and members from the Armed Forces communities from across the country to celebrate their contribution at home and abroad.
John 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.
John Healey said: “I was delighted to have invited Ron to Parliament to celebrate Armed Forces Day with Labour Leader Keir Starmer.
“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 during the pandemic and continue to play a crucial role in defending the UK and our NATO allies from Russian aggression.”
The Shadow Defence Secretary also stressed that the Conservatives have left our Armed Forces with weakened foundations. The Army has been cut 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.