This week we again witnessed heart-breaking and troubling events unfold in Afghanistan with terrorist attacks at Kabul Airport sadly resulting in death of innocent Afghans, US military servicemen and women and three British nationals. This backdrop reminded us of the challenging circumstances in which British forces have rescued a total of 17,000 people since the evacuation programme commenced in April. Their selfless work in adversity has protected the lives of many. I was especially glad that some of those whose cases I had raised with the Foreign Office on behalf of constituents appear to have been able to make it out of Kabul. The focus now shifts to ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ to ensure that the Afghans who stood side by side with us in conflict, their families and those at highest risk who have been evacuated, are supported as they rebuild their lives in the UK. The UK has a proud history of providing safe haven to those in need and I am pleased that West Sussex is one of the councils who have already quickly stepped forward and offered to give some refugees a chance at a fresh start in life. A new website will capture offers of support and I am happy to pass to Government those constituents wishing to house a refugee or family.
Our brave service men and women returning home from duty in Afghanistan felt especially pertinent on Friday as I attended a ceremony at St Mary’s Church in Storrington to commemorate 100 years of the Royal British Legion in Sussex. After a welcome by Canon Kathryn Windslow and Reverend Rupert Toovey, distinguished WWII veteran Wing Commander John Bell MBE DFC, who served in 617 Dambusters Squadron flying Lancaster Bombers, symbolically passed The Torch of Remembrance to the Storrington Girl Guides as representatives of the next generation. We must never forget the immense sacrifice that the men and women of our forces have given at home and abroad in pursuit of our freedom. My congratulations to all involved in organising this event including Brigadier Willie Shackell CBE, Chairman of the Storrington Branch of the British Legion, his team and the Storrington and District Museum which has an excellent collection relating to wartime West Sussex.
