Mark Pawsey MP for Rugby, has attended an event at the House of Commons to promote the creation of Community Covenants across the United Kingdom. Organised by The Royal British Legion, the event highlighted the importance of local communities getting behind the Armed Forces community in their own area and honouring the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant in practice on the ground.
The Legion is encouraging local authorities to sign a Community Covenant as their own unique commitment to develop mutual understanding, meet the needs of the Armed Forces community and identify opportunities for closer working in their area. The Covenant was signed in Warwickshire by Mark and other representatives on Saturday 30th June.
The Legion campaigned successfully for the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant to be written into law. The principles recognise the unique nature of Service and state that no disadvantage should arise from it, such as in accessing public services, and that special treatment should be allowed where justified.
Chris Simpkins, the Legion's Director General said:
'We are very grateful to Mark Pawsey MP for attending the Legion's event and backing stronger local support for their Armed Forces community.'
Mark was therefore delighted that Warwickshire County Council and relevant Warwickshire agencies have signed the Covenant, and he took part in a parade in Warwick last Saturday to mark the signing. 20 ' 30 uniformed air cadets and staff from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing Air Training Corps joined the Corps of Drums from Nuneaton Squadron where the Lord Lieutenant, Warwickshire Members of Parliament and other dignitaries took a salute.
The Royal British Legion stands shoulder to shoulder with all who Serve. It is the nation's leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy -- www.britishlegion.org.uk.
