MP SEEKS TO SECURE LIFELINE FOR SERVING TROOPS (Southampton Liberal Democrats)

Southampton Liberal Democrats <info@southampton-libdems.org.uk>

MP SEEKS TO SECURE LIFELINE FOR SERVING TROOPS

December 10, 2009 1:00 PM
Originally published by Sandra Gidley

Chris Huhne MP & Sandra Gidley MP by a postbox Sandra Gidley has called on the Government to ensure that troops serving abroad can keep in touch with their families and friends during a debate that the Hampshire MP called in Parliament.

Sandra is worried by proposed changes to the services offered by the British Forces Postal Office, which provides mail and post office counter services to forces personnel worldwide, whereby several offices would close across Europe and the United States.

Sandra also suggested that the Government should introduce a new network of support for personnel, allowing for member of the public to buy specific pieces of kit or other gifts for a particular soldier or regiment.

Commenting after her debate, Sandra said:

"The Government's plans would sever a vital lifeline between many service personnel and their families and friends.

"I know from personal experience that the British Forces Post Office has, for many years, provided a vital link between forces personnel and their immediate families, and wider friends and families.

"After all, my father was in the Army, and when we were stationed in the Netherlands the BFPO enabled me to keep in touch with my teenage friends back in England.

"It is also vital that the public can send gifts to soldiers in Afghanistan safely. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Defence says that the current delivery of good-will parcels to our troops puts them at greater risk.

"I have proposed to the Government that they work with charities, so that families and well-wishers can buy soldiers, sailors and airmen gifts online, which are then delivered through that charity - much in the same way that people can buy food or supplies for those in developing countries.

"This would provide a safe, secure way to provide our troops with useful gifts. It would also allow many, like me, who feel that saying thank you to all those who are doing their duty for their country isn't enough, and just want to do a little more. That is exactly how many people feel who have sent or want to send parcels to our troops."

ENDS