Labour launches "Labour Friends of the Forces"

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh joined Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, Jim Murphy, and Dan Jarvis MP to help launch Labour Friends of the Forces on Tuesday 22 November. Labour Friends of the Forces is an organisation dedicated to campaigning on the issues that matter to the Armed Forces, their families and the wider service community. It demonstrates the value Labour places defence and the military covenant.

Labour’s commitment to the Services has been shown in our successful campaign, in support of the Royal British Legion, to enshrine the Military Covenant in law and our being the first ever party to offer a reduced membership rate for service personnel and veterans, who can now join the Labour Party for just £1 for the first year.

Labour Friends of the Forces is free to join and will offer:

· A national network of advocates who will consult with military communities up and down the country · Important information on the key services available to serving personnel and veterans

· Updates on the defence debate in Westminster and throughout the country

· A chance to shape the work of the Shadow Defence Team

Labour Friends of the Forces launches with two priorities: support for the Royal British Legion’s campaign to save the Office of the Chief Coroner and a consultation on the impact of service families having to move around the country.

Mary said: “No party has a monopoly on defence. From the campaigns we run to the candidates we field, Labour is showing that defence is a vital issue. We have supported the Royal British Legion in their successful campaigns to keep the Chief Coroner's office, and we'll keep supporting our service personnel and their families."

“We very much hope that everyone who cares about the issues that matter to the Armed Forces will join this organisation.”