Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth and Honorary President of the Hinckley branch of the Royal British Legion, has championed the work of local Poppy Appeal volunteers in the House of Commons.
In a question to the Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, the GP-turned-MP raised the efforts of the Hinckley RBL and volunteers, such as Elaine Ward who has collected for 50 years.
Ms Ward has recently received a medal from the Royal British Legion to commemorate her five decades of service and fundraising for the Poppy Appeal.
Dr Evans’ question to Ms Mordaunt preceded the MP’s own session of volunteering for the Poppy Appeal at the Britannia Centre in Hinckley as part of his role as President of the Hinckley RBL branch.
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, asked “Could we have a debate on the volunteers who support the Royal British Legion?
“I am lucky enough to be the honorary president of the Royal British Legion in Hinckley, 100 years since its formation, and my predecessor but three was also its honorary president.
“I have seen the work of the likes of Elaine Ward, who has been collecting for the Poppy Appeal for 50 years. Could we have a debate about how magnificent this charity really is?”
Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, responded “I am sure I speak for all Members of the House by thanking the Member for Bosworth for enabling us all to send our thanks to the Royal British Legion and its army of volunteers who assist all year round, not just during the Poppy campaign.
“If we were to have a debate, it would be well attended and very long, because the work it does is tremendously diverse, helping families as well as veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.”
Speaking after his question, Dr Evans said “Earlier this year I had the honour of being asked to be President of the Hinckley Royal British Legion and I have seen first-hand the dedication of RBL members.
“Penny is completely correct, any opportunity in Parliament to honour and pay thanks to these selfless volunteers would be very well attended and run for hours.
“Come rain or shine, volunteers, like Elaine, give their time to support veterans, serving member of the Forces and their families. On behalf of our community, I pay thanks for all that they do.”
