Sedgefield MP, Phil Wilson, has spent the last year as a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) with the Royal Air Force to learn first hand about the work undertaken by services personnel at bases around the UK and the world as well as how the RAF operates strategically.
The scheme, which has been running for 30 years, gives MPs and Peers an opportunity for in-depth and hands-on experience of life in one of the three Armed Services. Phil Wilson spent over 30 days on the scheme visiting RAF bases across the country from RAF Leeming to RAF Marham, the home of the new F-35 stealth jets.
The scheme, which is run on a cross-party basis, took Phil to the Falklands Islands where British forces still protect the island from any aggression.
He also visited Romania where the RAF worked alongside NATO allies to deter Russian jets from penetrating NATO airspace.
During a visit to Cyprus, Phil met the crews of Typhoon and Tornado jets who flew missions over Syria and Iraq as part of the coalition’s fight against ISIS.
Phil Wilson MP said: “The Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme is a brilliant opportunity for Members of Parliament to see first hand how our military operates.
We owe our armed services a debt of gratitude. They act with bravery and professionalism at all times and I am grateful for the opportunity to see how they operate at all levels in all circumstances.
As we approach Armistice Day, the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the centenary of our RAF, I am especially proud to have been alongside our service men and women. Their sacrifice should always be remembered. We owe them so much”.