Nigel Evans raised the upcoming armed forces day with the Rt Hon David Cameron MP at Prime Minister’s Questions today.
The exchange was as follows:
Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley):
On Friday, my hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe) and I jumped from a plane 13,000 feet over the Yorkshire countryside—fortunately, we had parachutes and training from the Army’s Tigers parachute display team. As we approach armed forces day, will the Prime Minister pay tribute to our armed forces, and to the charities and the generous British people who do so much to support those who give such commitment to Queen and country, and will he reinforce the fact that this Parliament will never, ever underestimate the contribution of the armed forces of this country?
The Prime Minister:
I absolutely support what my hon. Friend has said and commend him for jumping out of an aeroplane with a parachute. Not only should we commend our armed forces, but it is right that we have put the armed forces covenant—the military covenant—into the law of the land. Armed forces day is now an important part of our national character. On Remembrance Sunday, we remember those who have served and those who have fallen, but armed forces day is an opportunity to celebrate all those who serve today, to thank them and their families, and to celebrate the values they live by and all they bring to our country.
Speaking after leaving the Chamber, Mr Evans said:
“We owe an enormous debt to our armed forces so it is fitting that armed forces day publicly recognizes their commitment and the demanding and brave work that they do to defend each and every one of us. Those members of the British armed forces who are currently serving their country deserve our upmost respect and admiration.”