If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to support our veterans.
I campaigned for almost a decade to get a medal for the heroic veterans of the WW2 Arctic Convoys. These men endured unimaginable danger and freezing conditions in order to keep the supply lines with Russia open, but for over 70 years this remained the only major sea campaign of the war to not have received a specific medal.
To rectify this, upon election, I met with the Prime Minister and Defence Ministers, finally leading a debate in Parliament which persuaded the PM to commission Sir John Holmes to conduct a Military Medals Review to which I was able to contribute.
In December 2012, the Prime Minister finally announced that the Government would be creating an Arctic Star medal and finally giving these heroes the recognition that they deserved. I was honoured to attend a ceremony at 10 Downing Street when the first medals were handed out to veterans. Sadly my dear friend, Cdr Eddie Grenfell was too ill to travel but proudly received the Arctic Star, for which he had campaigned so passionately, back in Portsmouth Guildhall. Eddie died only a matter of weeks later, but knowing that his tireless efforts to secure this medal had not been in vain.
Given our area's strong connection to the Armed Forces I worked hard in support of the War Widows campaign, lobbying Ministers, speaking in Parliament and meeting the war widows affected. From 1 April 2015, widows, widowers and surviving civil partners of all members of the Armed Forces Pensions Scheme will retain their pensions for life. Previously, Armed Forces widows lost their right to a pension for life on remarriage or cohabitation. It was a tough fight but extremely worthwhile and I am pleased that the partners of our service men and women now have greater financial security and peace of mind.
If re-elected on 8th June I will continue to ensure our veterans get the recognition they have earned.
