Callum's Column: Honouring our veterans at Christmas

From Buckingham Ablaze to Milton Keynes Pride, I always feel privileged to come along and celebrate with our community. And one of the most special events I attend each year is our local Christmas Veterans’ Breakfast, which takes place right here at Captain Ridley's Shooting Party in central Bletchley.

This breakfast has been going strong long before was elected, and it’s always been a true cross-party effort – both Labour and Conservative MPs have rolled up their sleeves to serve food to those who served us. It’s such a simple thing, but it really does speak volumes about the respect and gratitude we all feel for our veterans. And I must give a big shout-out to Simon Wilkinson, whose hard work and dedication have kept this wonderful tradition alive year after year, as well as the brilliant staff at the pub who made us feel so welcome.

It’s truly a humbling experience. Meeting men and women who served in the RAF, the Royal Navy, and the British Army - many of whom have seen service across the UK, Europe, and around the world - is a powerful reminder of what real courage and commitment look like. These veterans are the very best of us. They embody British values and have defended our way of life through times of peace and conflict.

Locally, I want to recognise the work of Milton Keynes City Council and local organisations who provide vital support for veterans’ mental health. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and these services make a real difference in ensuring that those who gave so much are never left behind.

At a national level, the Government continues to strengthen its support for veterans. We are committed to ensuring that service personnel and their families receive the recognition and care they deserve. In an increasingly uncertain world – with war once again on European soil – we are also increasing defence spending to ensure our Armed Forces remain strong and ready to protect our nation and its values.

In the past couple of months alone, we have announced:

• Veterans’ support centres to be rolled out across the country, boosting support for veterans from better healthcare to housing and jobs.
• Multiple sites across the UK for new factories to produce munitions and military explosives, strengthening the UK’s warfighting readiness as we move to the next phase of building the factories of the future.
• Tens of thousands of Armed Forces personnel will be able to claim for a return journey to be reunited with their friends and family this festive season.

Labour will never compromise on keeping Britain safe, and we’re delivering on our promise to renew the UK’s moral contract with service personnel, veterans, and their families, in recognition of their huge contribution to our country.

To all our veterans: thank you. You are an inspiration, and we will never forget your service. And of course, Merry Christmas.