In early April, Members of Parliament held a dedicated debate recognising the contributions, work and history of RBL and Poppyscotland in their communities and nationally.
How did MPs contribute?
This was a ‘Westminster Hall debate’, which give MPs an opportunity to raise particular issues and receive a response from a Government minister. It has been over 12 years since MPs last debated the role of the RBL in Parliament in this way.
The debate saw 40 MPs attending, with 36 of them speaking about the work being done by RBL branches in their local communities. They highlighted RBL’s efforts to raise funds, provide support, and campaign for better treatment of veterans and service personnel. Various MPs also lent their voices to current RBL campaigns to strengthen the Armed Forces Covenant, treat military compensation fairly and remove barriers for non-UK service members.
Hinckley RBL
Dr Luke Evans MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, who organised the debate, spoke about his local branch in Hinckley, Leicestershire, where volunteers consistently raise over £40,000 annually for the Poppy Appeal. He expressed deep gratitude for these volunteers, whose efforts are crucial in sustaining RBL’s work. Evans was joined by the Hinckley branch chair Lloyd Bagshaw in the public gallery during the debate and quoted Bagshaw in saying: “The fundamental keystone to the foundation of these success falls at the feet of the small cohort of passionate volunteers that assist the Branch in all its activities, primarily during the Poppy Appeal period each year”.
“The Royal British Legion ensures that the voice of our Armed Forces community is heard at the highest level, helping to shape the policies that affect our service personnel.”
Al Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence
Ministerial praise for our year-round efforts
Al Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence said: “The Royal British Legion ensures that the voice of our Armed Forces community is heard at the highest level, helping to shape the policies that affect our service personnel.”
Carns also highlighted initiatives such as the Battle Back rehabilitation centre and our partnership with the Invictus Games, which help veterans in their recovery. He also acknowledged “so many amazing stories [from MPs] today of individual RBL branches doing an amazing job not just to cohere councils and deliver support, but, importantly, at the personal level to change thousands of people’s lives.”
Other contributions
The debate received strong cross-party support. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge MP for South Suffolk and Liberal Democrat Defence spokesperson Helen Maguire MP for Epsom and Ewell, a former Royal Military Police Captain, both expressed their admiration for RBL’s work and their commitment to backing its efforts.
David Pinto-Duschinsky, Labour MP for Hendon, highlighted the need to recognise RBL’s work beyond Remembrance Day. While this is a vital occasion, he reminded MPs that the work of the RBL continues all year round. “Its work neither stops nor ends on 11th November,” he said, stressing the need for ongoing support for the organisation.
This debate serves as a reminder of our role supporting our Armed Forces communities. As part of the team, you can get involved in a variety of ways—whether through supporting fundraising initiatives, volunteering, or staying informed about the campaigns RBL is leading.
Discover how the RBL is supporting our Armed Forces communities and the ongoing campaigns we are driving forward.
Want to catch up on the full debate? Watch the broadcast or read the full details in Hansard.
