Armed Forces

I am increasingly concerned that the procurement programme is out of step with our military needs. This needs to be done on a detailed and thoughtful basis which can only come as part of major acquisition reform.

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I went to the remembrance service at St Pancras Church today and was pleased to see so many people from so many different cultures, backgrounds and walks of life there. The service itself was well balanced and accommodated the many faiths of those attending. The vicar spoke movingly about freedom and justice.

Regardless of whether or not we should be in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fact is that our service personnel deserve our respect and gratitude. They make sacrifices for us every single day. It is only right that they should be given the right equipment to do their job and once they are home we should make sure that they are given first rate medical care and decent housing.

I was honoured to be invited to the unveiling of the new statue of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, hero of the Battle of Britain, in Trafalgar Square on 4th November.

Sir Keith played an outstanding role in the defeat of our enemies in World War II. He was a New Zealander by birth, but came to Britain and gave his all for the common good.

There are countless others not born here who have given their service to this great country of ours, from serving in the forces, to providing social services or maintaining law and order, as I did during my 17 years with the Metropolitan Police.

We live in a country of enormous diversity of talent which needs greater recognition. That is why I am standing as the Conservative PPC for Holborn & St Pancras, so that we can enjoy a government that truly recognises our heritage and at the same time is bold enough to bring about the change we need for a better tomorrow.