Praise for the contribution of the UK’s armed forces, and particularly those in Monmouthshire, was given today by Catherine Fookes, the Welsh Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for the county.

She added her endorsement on the eve of Armed Forces Day (Saturday June 24) before a service of commemoration to thank all armed services personnel and veterans. The service was held today (Friday June 23) outside Monmouth’s Shire Hall and was conducted by Rev. Catherine Haynes.

County Councillor Fookes thanked those past and present “for all they do to keep Britain safe.

“Labour stands up for our armed forces. We are deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families for the enormous contribution they make to our country.”

She added that, by his own admission the current Defence Secretary had said that the Conservatives had ‘hollowed out’ the armed forces over the last 13 years.

“The Conservatives have cut the army to its smallest size since Napoleon and Ministers must reboot defence plans by halting army cuts and ensure our NATO obligations are fulfilled,” said Councillor Fookes.

“The last 13 Conservative years have corroded the nation’s moral contract with those who serve in our armed forces. Personnel are living in damp and mouldy housing, satisfaction with service life has fallen well below 50 per cent, and retention rates have dropped. Defence plans must ensure our heroes have good homes to live in. They must fully incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law. In office we will do just that.”

Labour would also strengthen support for veterans, with a boost to specialist support and a plan to bring down waiting times for veteran’s mental health services as part of a £1bn commitment to ensure everyone receives treatment within a month.

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.

“We are deeply proud of our armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families for the enormous contribution they make to our country. We thank them for all they do to keep Britain safe.

“The next Labour Government will stand by our troops, veterans and their families”, Catherine Fookes pledged