Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy has been asked to participate in an investigation into national recognition of the armed services. 

The Prime Minister has asked Quentin Davies MP to lead a study to consider how the public’s understanding and appreciation of the armed forces might be enhanced.  

He will be assisted in this task by Air Commodore Martin Sharpe OBE RAF and Mr Bill Clark OBE, a senior MOD civil servant.  

The investigation will involve interviews with military personnel, civic and religious leaders, service charities, journalists and representatives from other public bodies. It will also draw on the experience of other democratic countries that regularly deploy their troops into combat zones. 

As home to Europe’s largest naval base and elements of 3 Commando Brigade, Plymouth already takes much pride in the work of its service personnel and through this and the city’s long and close association our community perhaps has a greater understanding of their work than some other parts of the country. The biannual Navy Days event is a notable example. 

Linda will be meeting with Mr Davies in the New Year and would welcome any comments or opinions that constituents would like to see raised.   

Contributions can be added to a forum on Linda’s website by selecting ‘Your Say’ from the menu. 

Alternatively they can be sent to Linda at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

9 January 2008