The escalating conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves across the globe, reaching communities here in the UK. As the Member of Parliament for a constituency with deep ties to our armed forces, I am acutely aware of the profound impact this turmoil is having on local people.
Over and above the large number of civilians who have been travelling, working or staying in the area, there is a sizeable number of service families with local connections stationed in the region or with loved ones there.Ā They are facing an incredibly challenging and dangerous time and I have been working very hard with my Parliamentary colleagues to make sure everyone is safe and, where necessary, they can get home.
Keir Starmer has been resolute, calling for a strategic approach that prioritises safety, defence, deā€‘escalation, and diplomacy including respect for international law. I wholeheartedly support his stance, while also believing that our military must be prepared for any eventuality.
Beyond the geopolitical complexities, it is also crucial that we remain steadfast in supporting our armed forces on the home front.
In recent months, I have been working closely with colleagues, local organisations, and service charities to ensure that our military families are not left to navigate these challenges alone. The importance of good health, housing, and education for military families cannot be overstated. That is why, following the publication of the SEND White Paper, I hosted a roundtable with Education Minister Georgia Gould MP, to focus on the unique challenges service families face when it comes to provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
We were joined by the Family Federations for the RAF, Royal Navy, and Army, along with service charities like SSAFA and RBL. Together, we discussed issues such as the disruption caused by frequent relocations and the difficulties in transferring support plans between local authorities. We recognise that the needs of military families are different, and we are committed to ensuring they receive consistent, high-quality support, regardless of where they are stationed.
It is my firm belief that no child should be left behind, and we are determined to ensure that military families, particularly those with children who require additional support, are not forgotten. Our armed forces deserve to know that their families are taken care of, that their children have access to the best education, healthcare, and housing possible
As the Middle East crisis continues to unfold, I remain focused on the task at hand: standing up for our armed forces, standing by their families, and ensuring that our response to the crisis is as supportive, strategic, and compassionate as possible. We owe it to our brave men and women, and their families, to keep them safe and supported both here at home and abroad.
