Legion tribute to Lord Morris at annual parliamentary reception
03 December 2009
On Wednesday 2 December the Legion held a reception at the Houses of Parliament, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of Lord Morris of Manchester.
"We honoured Lord Morris of Manchester, not as a Labour peer, but as a fantastic campaigner, who has given invaluable support to the Legion as an Honorary Parliamentary Adviser," explains Head of Public Affairs Kevin Shinkwin.
"Over the years Lord Morris has championed the rights of disabled people, including injured Service personnel, to an extent that, in many ways, has transcended party politics. As well as concerted campaigning - both publicly and behind the scenes - on a variety of issues relating to the Armed Forces family and giving advice to the Legion, Lord Morris has served on the Gulf War Group for many years."
The Legion's National President Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely, National Chairman Peter Cleminson and Director General Chris Simpkins, all paid warm tributes to Lord Morris. Addressing Lord Morris directly, the National Chairman said, "I want to thank you for all that you have given us, your sense of duty, your commitment to public service and your determination to address injustice. You represent so much of what is good about parliament because you are a force for good."
He told the assembled guests that "at a time of heightened public scrutiny of parliament and its work, I believe we can do no better than look at the record of Alf Morris. As parliamentarians begin the final session of this Parliament, it is surely worth reflecting on what an example and inspiration you offer to the new generation coming into parliament."
The annual parliamentary reception also enables the Legion to renew relationships with our friends in Parliament and to forge new ones. This year 115 MPs attended, as well as several Peers and senior representatives from the wider Armed Forces community, including Service charities. It was an excellent opportunity to celebrate the difference that Lord Morris has made to so many people's lives and to thank parliamentarians of all parties, and especially Lord Morris, for the support they give to our work. The fact that so many MPs made time in their hectic schedules to be with us is testimony to the high regard in which the Legion is held.
