Darren Paffey MP for Southampton Itchen and Satvir Kaur MP for Southampton Test joined the Southampton community at the cenotaph on remembrance Sunday to pay their respects to all those in Southampton who have lost their lives defending our country and securing our freedoms; whilst recognising the thousands of veterans who make Southampton their home.
Darren has also placed a cross on behalf of Southampton Itchen in Parliament’s garden of remembrance, dedicating his cross to the 110 lives lost at the Spitfire factory in Woolston, after meeting with the Spitfire makers at his local advice surgery.
The week before remembrance weekend, Darren spent three hours with the Royal British Legion, helping them sell poppies in West Quay to raise vital funds for the work they do. Whilst there, Darren took the opportunity to speak with veterans, cadets and forces family members, gaining an understanding of what they want to see the Government do to support veterans and the armed forces community in Southampton Itchen.
Darren Paffey MP for Southampton Itchen said:
“Honoured to lay a wreath at Southampton Cenotaph to remember all those who bravely served and paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy.
“Southampton is where Spitfires were made, where D-Day troops launched, and where thousands of veterans live.
What an excellent turnout to mark Remembrance Day, and our young cadet troops were outstanding on parade.”
The Labour Government is committed to strengthening support for our veterans and our Armed Forces Community – it will renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served, and their families.
The Government has committed £3.5 million toto the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme, which provides wraparound specialist support for employment and independent living for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness; in addition to the Government’s ‘home for heroes’, ensuring veterans are prioritised for housing across the country.
The Government will put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law, to strengthen support for and ensure everyone who serves or has served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect.