Speaker thanks Armed Forces for Covid effort and signs Commons up to Armed Forces Covenant
21 June 2021
Speaker expresses ‘deep gratitude’ to Armed Forces’ Covid response.
The Speaker of the House of Commons today led a ceremony in Parliament to say “a very big thank you” to the Armed Forces for their help in combatting Covid-19.
Since the pandemic began, military personnel have been tasked with:
- Supporting the vaccination role out
- Deploying defence medics to hospitals to relieve pressure on the NHS
- Assisting in non-clinical roles, including porter duties to free up NHS staff
- Supporting local authorities with community testing
- Driving ambulances.
At a special ceremony in New Palace Yard ahead of Armed Forces Day on 26 June, Sir Lindsay Hoyle praised servicemen and women for “being there in our hour of need”.
“We have the bravest, most loyal military personnel in the world in our Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy services,” he said. “They are there at times of war, but especially when we need them on the home front - and none more so than during the pandemic.”
Speaker’s Chaplain Revd Tricia Hillas and the Dean of Westminster, the Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, led prayers during the service, which was attended by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, MPs and service personnel.
The Speaker, who is Honorary Colonel of 3 Medical Regiment, also used the opportunity to sign the Armed Forces covenant, which commits the House of Commons to being a better employer to former military personnel.
“As an active supporter of the military and a champion of diversity in Parliament, the Armed Forces Covenant brings together both of these passions”’ he said.
“I would like to do everything we can to encourage former service personnel to see their very relevant skills and experience as an asset to our workforce in the House of Commons.”
Mr Wallace said: “As we kick off events to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day, I’m delighted that the House of Commons is showing their support for our Service personnel by raising the flag and signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
“This week is an annual opportunity for all of us to recognise the work our Armed Forces do, at home and abroad, to keep us safe.”
The Union flag, Armed Forces Day flag and the flag of British Antarctic Territory for Midwinter Day were raised, and music was played by the Brass Quintet of the Coldstream Guards Band.
Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor