COLUMN by Stroud MP Siobhan Baillie. 

I went to the Stroud and District Veterans Breakfast Club last week to show my support for those who have served and to have a chat with them too.

The Old Nelson in Stratford Road was a great place for such a get together, with lovely food.

It was a pleasure to see so many local people attending who have been in our armed services.

The support our veterans receive across the country is huge as the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal or Help for Heroes can testify each year.  

But the help some veterans need due to their experiences or adjusting to civilian life after many decades of service is something that needs to be available every day of the year. It can be a challenge for many.

Following a visit from the Veterans’ minister Johnny Mercer in Dursley in May, I am organising a meeting to discuss how councils and the local NHS are implementing the Armed Forces Covenant. 

More than 30 veterans from the local area joined the minister at meeting where we held a Q&A session. It was obvious that there needs to be a lot of work done locally. 

In the meantime, simple events like the breakfast club with such camaraderie in a relaxed setting and open to all the services make a huge difference and it was an honour to be there. Please contact me if you want details of the club or look out for them on social media. 

Parliament is now in summer recess.  I will be out and about in Stroud, the Valleys and Vale visiting people and events while juggling the care of two young children. I may see you with or without the kids in tow. Either way, please come and say hello.

The Parliamentary machine also keeps moving even though MPs are all working in our constituencies.

Michael Gove has made a significant speech this week about speeding up development of cities to build more homes, including turning office blocks into housing now that people are working from home.  

The Prime Minister talked about the new policies as supporting more families onto the housing ladder while protecting the countryside.