Last week the country came together in remembrance and mourning for our fallen armed forces personnel. On Remembrance Sunday itself I was proud as the MP to lay wreaths of remembrance at Marple, Mellor, Romiley and Bredbury war memorials. Wreaths were also laid on my behalf, by local councillors, at Compstall, Hazel Grove, High Lane and Stockport war memorials. I believe it is incredibly important that communities and the country as a whole pause to recognise the dedication and sacrifices made by our armed forces for the sake of keeping us safe and free. Although it’s over 100 years since the First World Word, we still live in a dangerous world, and many of us will directly know someone who has served, or been killed or injured in recent conflicts. While peace is always to be desired over war, until we get to that stage, we must do more to support military veterans and their families and their families.
The remembrance events last week reminded me of the importance of this, which I why I continue to support the Armed Forces Covenant. The armed forces covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the Government and the armed forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated. It aims to prevent those who serve or have served, and their families, from facing disadvantage in their access to services. It ensures that, where appropriate, injured servicemen and women and bereaved families receive special consideration.
Funding for projects carried out under the covenant is provided by the Covenant Fund, an ongoing £10 million per annum scheme from central Government to help local communities to support the armed forces community in their area and promote public understanding and awareness. If any local residents or groups would like help in applying for funding of up to up to £20,000 for a project in our area, please contact me and I would be delighted to support you.
In addition, there is also the Corporate Covenant, a public pledge from businesses and other organisations who wish to demonstrate their support for the armed forces community. Again, if any local business would like to sign up to the scheme and demonstrate their support, I would be only too happy to help with the application.