Easington MP Grahame Morris has called for local residents to pay tribute to the service of our Armed Forces, past and present, this Remembrance Sunday.

This week, communities across the country will come together to thank local service men and women, veterans and their families for their incredible efforts helping to keep Britain safe and secure.

From supporting the frontline response to the Covid crisis, to evacuating 15,000 people from Afghanistan in just two weeks, the UK’s servicemen and servicewomen continue to play a central role to support and protect British interests and values.

Following the launch of its national poppy appeal, the Royal British Legion (RBL) are back in local communities across the country to raise vital funds to support our armed forces communities.

40,000 volunteers across the country will be collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal, with many national supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA and Lidl distributing poppies in their stores.

As the RBL marks its centenary, Labour is backing the charity’s efforts to encourage schools across the country to support the teaching of remembrance, to ensure the understanding of its importance is passed on to the next generation.

The charity has developed a range of free teaching resources to be used in local schools or at home, with all of the lesson plans linked to the national curriculum for key stages 1-5.

Easington MP Grahame Morris, said:

“Just as they were over a century ago, our armed forces have shown this year just how indispensable they are to the nation’s security, from airlifting British Nationals out of Afghanistan, to driving NHS ambulances in Wales

“During remembrance, we honour and remember the sacrifices made by our service men and women, veterans and their families, past and present.

“It’s vital we recognise their heroic efforts and I know local residents will mark this year’s remembrance by supporting the local poppy appeal, turning out for remembrance services, or through unique community activities like the pebble poppy at the foot of Tommy. We will honour and remember their sacrifice.”

Shadow Armed Forces Minister, Stephen Morgan MP, added:

“Our armed forces have shown once again this year their enduring commitment to support and protect us when we need it most.

“While last year saw celebrations scaled back or cancelled, this year we must get back out and do all we can to support armed forces communities across the country.

“Our service men and service women have gone above and beyond this year. Now it’s our turn to give something back.”