Andrew Griffith MP pledges support for West Sussex Veterans
Andrew Griffith, the Arundel and South Downs MP, met with Veterans who were attending the Armed Forces Community Conference in Horsham, West Sussex on Friday 13th February.
Andrew spoke of the important role he has as Member of Parliament in ensuring legislation supports those who have served. Veterans welcomed the fact that he voted against the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill which exposes soldiers who served their country fifty years ago to prosecutions in their old age.
The conference forms part of West Sussex County Council’s commitment to their Armed Forces Covenant -which was signed in 2012 and is a pledge to the community that they are treated fairly and have equal access and support in key areas such like-employment, housing, health, education services and connectivity to key voluntary and community sectors.
The MP heard from members of the community- about the work they are involved in assisting those who require support in areas like mental health and wellbeing care through OpCourage, access to a permanent postal address via Squaddie Box or connectivity to financial support via grants, benefits and local schemes though the Lightning Reach portal.
The event was convened by Group Leader of the council, Councillor Paul Marshall and Councillor Jacky Pendleton, West Sussex County Council’s Armed Forces Champion.
Mr Griffith said: "I was honoured to hear from these incredible men and women who have served their country so proudly and hear the positive work that is being done by so many to improve the lives of others.
"I have been contacted by many concerned constituents who worry over the Government’s efforts to amend the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill along with many I spoke with today. I have consistently voted against measures to amend or repeal this Act, and I will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans and their families with all the help that I can provide.”