SCARBOROUGH'S MP Robert Goodwill has been thanked for pledging to do all he can to help members of the British Armed Forces and their families.

Mr Goodwill met with a delegation from the Royal British Legion at Westminster to get behind the charity's call for general election candidates of all parties to support the whole Armed Forces family.

He also discussed the legion's manifesto, which sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present.

It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to "do their bit" for service personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

Kevin Shinkwin, the legion's head of public affairs, said: "Our message to every MP and candidate standing at the general election is very simple - it's time to do your bit.

"How you do that is entirely up to you but pledging publicly at www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk is a great way of showing your support, both now and beyond the general election.

"Both the serving and ex-Service community need the support of politicians.

"Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next Government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration."

Mr Goodwill said: "I know the work they do for the whole Armed Forces family matters not just to me, but to so many of my constituents as well.

"It's so important we all get behind them, and I'm looking forward to seeing how my party responds to their manifesto."

16 February 2010
Source: Scarborough Evening News