Across Barnsley and the country, we will be celebrating Remembrance Day at the end of this week.

2022 marks 104 years since Armistice Day in 1918, and still feels as poignant as ever, with commemoration events taking place across the country, bringing people together in communal thanks for the sacrifices made by so many so long ago, to allow us the freedom we enjoy today.

We will never forget their service.

Alongside the historical significance of this time of year felt so deeply when many think of loved ones who fought, this year resonates with many due to the horrific conflict continuing in Ukraine.

Whether in combat, or ensuring our safety in other ways, our Armed Forces are crucial in providing us with the protection we need, both historically and now.

We must not forget that during the COVID pandemic, the Armed Forces carried out their biggest ever homeland military operation in peacetime, in supporting the vaccine rollout, conducting community testing, increasing hospital capacity, and delivering PPE and ventilators.

During the Afghanistan crisis last year, our Armed Forces also completed the largest airlift since the second world war, evacuating 15,000 British nationals and Afghans.

We are all safer for these impressive operations, and I would like to extend my thanks once again for their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our country. The gravity of this is not underestimated.

In Parliament and Barnsley, Remembrance events have been taking place to raise awareness and funds. As always, the Poppy Appeal has been raising money for those who are or who have been in the Armed Forces. I was really pleased to get involved, selling poppies in Hoyland, and participating in the Royal British Legion’s annual Parliamentary bike ride. I will also be attending Remembrance events in Barnsley over the weekend.

Supporting charities such as the Royal British Legion helps to ensure that there is help available to those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces, and their families. As we face the rising cost of living this year, this might be financial help for essentials in the home, or it might be somewhere to find a community and share experiences specific to having served.

This year, as Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Veterans, I have launched a survey on experiences of Veterans UK, alongside James Sunderland MP, Owen Thompson MP, and Richard Foord MP. This project, with support from across political parties, aims to collect evidence to ensure that our veterans are being supported properly, after giving so much to keep us safe.

I encourage anyone who has views to share to complete the survey.

After requesting nominations from across Barnsley East, I was pleased to be able to dedicate a cross in the Parliamentary Garden of Remembrance to Roy Alvin Jagger. Nominated by his nephew, Phil, Roy was a miner before being called up to fight. Roy passed away aged 21.

Paying respect to our brave service men and women is personal to everyone; whether privately or publicly, quietly reflecting or taking part in a community or fundraising event.

I hope that we are all able to pay our respects, in whichever way feels most appropriate.

Thank you to all service men and women, past and present, for all you have done for us.

We will never forget.