Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, East Kilbride MP Joani Reid has shown her support for military and veterans by training with the armed forces.
The MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven is part of the Forces Parliamentary Scheme, a programme designed to give MPs first-hand experience of military life and operations.
This week, Ms Reid has undertaken training with the scheme in Wiltshire where she gained a deeper understanding of the dedication and challenges faced by those in uniform.
Although Joani has no military background, she has long been a supporter of the armed forces and their vital contributions both at home and abroad. By participating in this programme, she hopes to better understand the experiences of military personnel and their families and to bring that knowledge back to her work in Parliament.
Joani Reid MP said: “I’m proud to join the armed forces Parliamentary Scheme and train alongside those who serve our country with such dedication. While I don’t come from a military background, I have immense respect for our armed forces, and I want to gain a real understanding of their work, their challenges, and their needs.”
The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme allows MPs to participate in various training exercises and engage directly with military personnel, helping to bridge the gap between Parliament and the realities of service life.
Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, Joani expressed pride in the military personnel and veterans in her constituency: “We have a strong community of veterans and military families in East Kilbride and Strathaven, and I am incredibly proud of the contribution they’ve made and continue to make to our country. As we pause to honour those who served, I am more committed than ever to supporting them in Parliament.”
Joani also welcomed the recent increase in defence funding announced by the Chancellor in the UK Government’s budget, which reflects Labour’s commitment to a strong and well-resourced armed forces.
She said: “The increase in defence spending in the Budget last week is a crucial step in ensuring our armed forces have the resources they need. I will continue to fight for the support and recognition they deserve, from serving personnel to veterans and their families.”
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