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Royal British Legion
01 April 2025
Lead MP
Luke Evans
Hinckley and Bosworth
Con
Responding Minister
Al Carns
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Word Count: 15390
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Luke Evans raised concerns about royal british legion in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for continued recognition of the Royal British Legion's work, especially its role in educating younger generations about the sacrifices made during world wars and more recent conflicts such as Korea, the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Royal British Legion has been providing critical support to veterans and their families for over a century, including financial aid, legal representation, and well-being services. The organisation has awarded over £18 million in grants and secured £39 million in war pension awards in the past year alone.
Al Carns
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Supports the Royal British Legion's initiatives and acknowledges its partnership with the Government. Highlights the importance of local and national priorities in delivering veterans' support.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Endorses the mission of the Royal British Legion, highlighting the need for a stronger armed forces covenant, military compensation exemption from means-testing, and support for non-UK service personnel staying in the UK.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Emphasised Portsmouth's deep connection to naval history and the importance of the RBL providing vital support to veterans in financial, mental health and war pension struggles.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
As a member of the RBL himself, the hon. Member emphasized the importance of the RBL’s ongoing support for veterans beyond just commemorations and highlighted its work in facilitating smooth transitions into civilian life.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
This hon. Member recognised the vital support provided by RBL, especially through initiatives like ASAP which have assisted over 21,500 Scottish veterans with benefits worth £20 million.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
The hon. Member highlighted the exemplary support for veterans in her constituency, especially those from Northern Ireland who served during the IRA terror campaign and called for recognition of their sacrifice by the RBL hierarchy.
Derby North
Agreed that the Royal British Legion's work in supporting families of service personnel is vital and needs recognition, noting its role in bringing in volunteers who have not served.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
The MP agreed with the need to help veterans transition their military skills into civilian employment, advocating for more recognition of the value they bring.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Celebrated the impact of the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, advising people to visit it as soon as possible and highlighting the importance of remembrance all year round.
Hendon
Stresses the importance of remembering and supporting the armed forces community, commends the Royal British Legion's extensive services including recovery and rehabilitation, expert advice, and campaigning for veterans' rights.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Acknowledges the local RBL branches in his constituency, highlights personal experiences with wounded servicemen like Tim, and emphasises the need for more support from Government to charities supporting veterans.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Called for all councils to follow Hertfordshire's lead in launching an armed forces covenant to identify veterans and ensure proper support.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Stressed the importance of preserving clubs in addition to branches, highlighting financial pressures faced by local clubs.
Epsom and Ewell
The RBL's work is vital in supporting veterans, advocating for their rights and promoting remembrance. It has 180,000 members and 110,000 volunteers across the UK, raising funds through poppy appeals to support financial aid and healthcare services.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Paid tribute to colleagues for a cross-party consensus on supporting veterans. Highlighted the work of the Royal British Legion and its local branches, praised Poppy Day sales outcomes when he was a Minister. The hon. Member emphasised the importance of recognising the work of the RBL across England and Northern Ireland, including Operation Banner campaigns, and acknowledged the contributions made by veterans from different conflicts.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the commitment of the Royal British Legion in Northern Ireland despite its small size relative to the UK population, raising a significant amount for veterans and highlighting the importance of mental health support.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Commemorates local RBL branches and veterans, mentions the work of organisations such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and thanks various groups in his constituency for their support.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme
In Lee's constituency, the RBL’s integration within the local authority is crucial as it serves as a voice for veterans. Co-operation with local authorities in providing services around housing, financial management, and emotional support is vital.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Congratulated his hon. Friend on securing the debate, acknowledging the importance of the Royal British Legion's work in supporting veterans and their families.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Recognises Fergus Osborne's long-standing service in carrying the standard for Guisborough RBL and agrees on the importance of recognising veterans across the region.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
The hon. Member invited the Minister to attend a ceremony marking the centenary of the war memorial in Kirkcaldy, organised by the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Noted an age shift in RBL branches with older members alongside younger ones. Urges the Minister and Government to connect service leavers of his generation with the RBL in their areas.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Highlighted the importance of educating younger generations about the sacrifices made during world wars to ensure that future generations understand and remember these contributions.
Peter Fortune
Con
Bromley and Biggin Hill
Peter Fortune commends the Royal British Legion for its invaluable support to veterans, mentioning the Hayes Royal British Legion branch in Bromley with over 900 members raising funds for serving and ex-serving armed forces.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
The RBL branches in Peter's constituency thrive with significant fundraising efforts. The Crowthorne branch raised £40,000 last year and the Bracknell branch recently returned to full status after years as a community-supported branch.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Representing a Scottish constituency, Richard Baker focuses on Poppyscotland’s work supporting 4,000 veterans in Glenrothes and Mid Fife. He highlights the charity's Count Them In campaign ahead of the Scottish census in 2022.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Mid and east Devon has a very strong veteran community, with 6.3% of the population in Honiton and Sidmouth having served, highlighting the local connection to the armed forces.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Highlighted the Royal British Legion's critical role in supporting Northern Ireland's veterans, including those affected by the troubles and post-service adjustment issues.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Supported her hon. Friend's point about the National Memorial Arboretum and highlighted the role of local branches in raising funds for the poppy appeal and commemorating events like D-day.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Praises local RNAS Yeovilton-based charities and organisations that support veterans, calls for closer collaboration between the government and these charities to ensure no veteran is left behind.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Steve Yemm congratulates Dr Evans on securing the debate, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to supporting those who have served in our armed forces. The MP agreed with his colleague's sentiment and committed to supporting the Royal British Legion in Mansfield as long as he is an MP there.
Slough
The hon. Member praised the work of RBL Cippenham in Slough, highlighting its exceptional support for veterans through grants and other assistance.
Terry Jermy
Lab
South West Norfolk
Pays tribute to RBL volunteers and staff in his constituency, mentioning local branches facing challenges but continuing their crucial work with military families.
Will Stone
Lab
Swindon North
Emphasised the role of the Royal British Legion in building a sense of community for veterans and providing them with a place to gather after leaving military service.
Government Response
Al Carns
The Minister for Veterans and People
Government Response
The Minister highlighted the RBL's role at national, event-specific, and local levels, emphasising its ability to unite society with defence. He also acknowledged the centenary of Kirkcaldy’s war memorial and the importance of educating young people about remembrance.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.