The government’s Minster for Security The Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP has visited Keighley to hold a Q&A with local armed forces representatives, charities, service personnel and veterans.
The meeting took place at Keighley Civic Centre, where the Minister discussed improving veterans welfare, the transition to civilian life, the UK’s approach to foreign policy and the UK’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families.
Prior to becoming an MP, Minister Tugendhat was a serving member of the British Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving in both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
He later worked for the Foreign Office, helping to set up the National Security Council of Afghanistan, the government in Helmand Province, and was a principle advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff of the British Army.
As a Minister, Mr Tugendhat is responsible for countering terrorism, domestic state threats and cyber crime, with the MP also chairing the Defending Democracy Taskforce, a cross-government initiative announced in November 2022 that aims to reduce the risk to the UK’s democratic processes, institutions and society and deliver a secure and resilient UK, free from threats of foreign interference.
Local MP Robbie Moore, who hosted the event, had high praise for local veterans, saying:
“It was an honour to host the Minister in Keighley, where he had the chance to hear firsthand from some of our fantastic local armed forces representatives and talk about his role as a Minister and his life in the Armed Forces.
Since becoming Keighley and Ilkley’s MP, I have met some absolutely incredible armed forces personnel, including local veterans who are making a real difference to our community by supported Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs across our constituency.
I’d like to thank the Minister for coming to Keighley and I will continue to do all I can in Parliament to make sure we give our veterans, their families and all who serve the support they need - particularly when transitioning into civilian life.”
