Local MP welcomes return of troops

12.21.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Mark welcoming the troops home

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle constituency, this week welcomed to Parliament a contingent of Royal Marines just returned from active service in Afghanistan.

This Tuesday members of the 3 Commando Brigade marched from Wellington Barracks through central London and into Parliament where they were welcomed by a crowd of MPs, Lords and other officials. The 120 personnel were led by the Royal Marines Band and met by members of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Royal Marines - including Mr Hunter.

Mr Hunter joined MPs of all parties who applauded the troops and paid tribute to their bravery, sacrifice and dedication. The Brigade had been deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK from October 2008 until April 2009 and saw 33 fatalities with many more seriously injured.

Commenting after the parade Mr Hunter said, "With the economic turmoil at home, it's all too easy to forget that we are still at fighting a war in Afghanistan and we need to be reminded of the men and women who are out there risking their lives for our country. The troops I met today had a very tough six month tour in the Helmand province with many of their companions killed or injured, and I was, as always, impressed with their bravery and self-sacrifice.

"The troops really do deserve our heartfelt thanks for their hard work, dedication and self-sacrifice, and it is only right that MPs from all parties show our appreciation for ourselves but also on behalf of our constituents. It was also an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives in the conflict in Afghanistan and think of their friends and families who suffer from their loss.

"We are all proud of our troops and I was pleased to have the opportunity to show the 3 Commando Brigade my appreciation for their continued efforts in Afghanistan."