Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme
The armed forces Parliamentary scheme I’ve taken part in over the past year has now come to an end. The final visit was to Cyprus. We visited the British sovereign base areas and also went on a fascinating tour along the buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish North. This was led by the Household Cavalry who are acting as UN representatives.
The East Anglians have been in Cyprus over the past two years but I spent most of my time with the Lancashire Regiment. However I did meet Colonel Bev Allen who is connected to the Royal Anglians and has served with a number of my constituents. Had a really interesting discussion with him.
What our armed forces are doing in Cyprus is hugely significant for our own security and I’m really pleased I was able to get over there before the scheme came to an end.
The insights the scheme have given me have been hugely valuable and have shaped my thinking on defence matters to a significant degree.