Personally Speaking: Honouring Veterans is a Duty

My Personally Speaking Column in The Sentinel this week

Today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day – a significant milestone in our national story and a moment of deep reflection. Across Newcastle-under-Lyme, people have come together to honour this occasion with pride and respect throughout this week. From school assemblies to wreath-laying ceremonies, and with today’s service at St Giles’ Church and the lighting of a beacon, our community has shown real appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces during the Second World War and all the years since.

Eighty years on, it has never been more important to remember and give thanks. As time passes and living memory of the war fades, we must guard against complacency. One of the key themes of this year’s commemorations has been the vital task of passing the stories of World War Two down to younger generations. Schools across the borough have engaged pupils in VE Day projects, helping them learn about the sacrifices of previous generations and the importance of standing up against tyranny. We must all continue to understand the true impact of conflict, why peace matters, and why we fight so hard to bring people together and prevent war.

Crucially, we must keep the dangers of fascism at the forefront of our minds – recognising that remembrance is not a passive act, but an active commitment to ensure such horrors are never repeated and that the freedoms won are continually defended.

Earlier this week, I spoke in the House of Commons to pay tribute to the heroes of the greatest generation. I reflected on the triumph of liberal democracy over authoritarianism and fascism, and why we must never take the freedoms they secured for granted. This 80th anniversary carries even more weight because it may well be the last major anniversary we share with surviving veterans of the Second World War. I extended my gratitude to those in Newcastle-under-Lyme, across our United Kingdom, and throughout the Commonwealth who fought so that we can enjoy the freedoms, security, and democracy we have today.

Locally, we have seen that spirit of remembrance and gratitude shine. On Bank Holiday Monday, my wife and I attended the VE Day Tea Party in the Westlands, where veterans, families, and residents came together to share stories, reflect, and celebrate. My thanks go to Kay, Yvonne, Suzanne, Dianne, and Sarah for their brilliant efforts in bringing so many local people together. We also remember figures like Fred Kite from Newcastle-under-Lyme, a remarkable Second World War veteran and the only British soldier to be awarded the Military Medal three times, and the Staffordshire-born Spitfire pilots whose bravery remains an inspiration.

Equally, my recent visit back to the Tri-services Veterans Centre with the Veterans Minister reminded us of the dedicated work happening daily to support local veterans – from help with housing and welfare to providing friendship and community. These experiences remind us that while national policy matters, local initiatives and the spirit of our community are the foundation of meaningful support.

That is why the Government’s announcement this week of the new VALOUR system is so welcome. Backed by £50 million, VALOUR will create a UK-wide network of veteran support centres to ensure that help with healthcare, housing, employment, and welfare is easily accessible. Regional Field Officers will link councils, charities, and the NHS to provide joined-up, reliable support wherever veterans live. What sets VALOUR apart is its commitment to being shaped by veterans themselves, ensuring their voices help design services that meet real needs.

Alongside VALOUR, the “Homes for Heroes” initiative has already brought 36,000 military homes back into public ownership, reversing decades of decline. A new Consumer Charter is being introduced to guarantee higher standards, faster repairs, and clearer accountability – steps that are long overdue for forces families.

As we look ahead, we must ensure that remembrance is matched by action. With VALOUR launched and our plans to deliver “Homes for Heroes”, we are finally making meaningful progress in giving care and support to those who have fought for us. The Armed Forces Covenant – a promise that no one who serves should be disadvantaged – is now gaining legal force, ensuring these commitments are more than words.

As we mark 80 years since VE Day, we are reminded that honouring veterans is not just something we do once a year on Armistice Day – it is a duty that must guide us every single day, ensuring the promises we make today stand the test of time just as the sacrifices of so many brave women and men have. Bravery for which we give eternal thanks.