Talking to veteran families on D Day

Today we remember the sacrifices of those who fought for us - on D Day, 80 years ago - and in wars before and since.

There are lots of military families in the new Bicester and Woodstock constituency, which stretches all the way from Ambrosden to Eynsham. And some of these families are living in conditions which do not reflect the debt of gratitude we owe them for their service.

This D-Day I caught up with local veterans’ campaigner and military spouse, Kate England, in #Woodstock Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

Kate’s husband was injured in Iraq. And Kate’s grandfather took part in the D-Day landings, getting injured 37 days into the Liberation of Europe. He returned to work in what is now the Mini factory in Cowley. Kate showed me his proud medals.

If elected, my Labour MP colleagues and I will tackle the poor state of service accommodation to ensure homes are fit for heroes, and establish an Armed Forces Commissioner as a strong independent voice to improve service life.

We will conduct a Strategic Defence and Security Review in our first year in government to fully understand the state of our Armed Forces, the nature of threats we face and the capabilities needed. The first duty of any Government is to keep the nation safe and protect our citizens. Valuing our service personnel is a key part of that.

I am looking forward to attending a formal ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D Day in Bicester on Sunday.