STEVE GILBERT SIGNS UP FOR ROYAL MARINES STINT
August 27, 2010 12:58 PM
St Austell & Newquay's new MP, Steve Gilbert, has signed up to spend time with the Royal Marines next year as part of the "Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme".
Steve made the announcement when he met with 2nd Lieutenant Dan Cole and 2nd Lieutenant Josh Philips in Newquay; both members of the Officers Training Corps who are en route from Lands End to John O'Groats in aid of the charity 'Help for Heroes'.
Dan and Josh have raised £2,500 of their £10,000 target and are 4 days into their 90 day trek which will see them walk over 1,200 miles. The men, who are carrying 4.5 stone in kit and living off ration packs, stopped in Newquay where they were treated with a buffet from the Royal British Legion.
Steve Gilbert said:
"These two lads are a testament to the forces and to their unit. One of the most important decision that I could ever take as an MP would to put the brave men and women in our armed forces into harm's way. That's why I have signed up to the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme, to gain an understanding of the services and the people in them."
Dan Cole, who is 22 and studied Political Science at Birmingham Selly Oak University where he was also a member of the University's Officer Training Corps, said:
"We are really grateful for the British Legion's hospitality and the amazing generosity of people from Newquay and across Cornwall as they support us during our walk. The food they provided for us was stunning; we haven't eaten fresh food for days!"
The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme exists to give Parliamentarians a better insight into the armed forces and has been established for over 20 years. Steve Gilbert, whose grandfather served as a Royal Marine Commando, will spend time training with the Royal Marines in the UK before being deployed with the force, potentially to Afghanistan.
Steve Gilbert added:
"Over recent years Parliament has taken decisions on military action in Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone and, of course, Afghanistan where British forces are currently engaged in some of the most intense fighting since the Korean War. Now, more than ever, it's essential that decision makers have a real understanding from the perspective of our service personnel and that's why I've signed up to do a stint with the marines."
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