Crispin Blunt

Conservative Party | Reigate

Crispin Blunt Speaks Up For Commonwealth Veterans

Crispin Blunt MP today tabled an Early Day Motion calling on the government to recognise the work of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League and the contribution made to victory in the Second World War of soldiers from Commonwealth countries.

Mr Blunt said today:

‘Here in Britain veterans and their widows are well-supported and their contribution and sacrifice is highly regarded. The huge support for the annual ‘Poppy Campaign’ is a clear testament to this. However, for those thousands of soldiers from far flung corners of the then British Empire, age and poverty have taken their toll.’

Mr Blunt went on to note that the RCEL had done superb work in supporting Commonwealth veterans but that they needed more funding.

‘Those countries who sacrificed their sons that Britain might be free deserve our gratitude. I hope that the government will use the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe and in the Far East as an opportunity to thank those from the Commonwealth who paid the highest price.’

The text of the Early Day Motion is as follows:

That this House recognises the outstanding contribution made by those servicemen from Commonwealth countries that fought for and alongside Britain in the Second World War; understands that in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and in West and East Africa there are still many very elderly ex-servicemen and widows in dire need of medical aid, housing, adequate food and other welfare assistance and it is the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League that is helping such Commonwealth veterans who fought for our freedom; recognises that many were taken prisoner by the Japanese  and did not receive ex-gratia payment from the country they served unlike their British comrades in arms; acknowledges that in every Commonwealth country there is an Ex-Service League which grants to those member organisations of the poorer countries who cannot meet all genuine requests for welfare of one form or another; and believes that at the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War this summer the Government should make a grant to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League to assist it in carrying out its work caring for the veterans of the Commonwealth.