Shadow Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox Joins Bedworth Veterans to Launch 2009 Poppy Day Appeal

Dr Liam Fox MP is the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, and the man who will be in charge of the UK’s Armed Forces if the Conservatives win the next election.

With Britain’s soldiers exhausted from eight years of fighting on two fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan, one of his key challenges will be ensuring that our veterans have the medical and social care that they need to cope with life after the Forces.

That’s why this week Dan Byles, the local Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire & Bedworth and a former soldier himself, invited Liam Fox to meet with local veterans and members of the Royal British Legion as they prepared to launch the 2009 Poppy Appeal.

Volunteers and veterans have taken over an empty shop on Congreve Walk to prepare boxes of poppies for distribution to local shops. Dan Byles and Liam Fox met with the volunteers to lend their support, and later joined a number of the veterans for a quiet beer and a chat about the state of the Armed Forces and the situation in Afghanistan.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Liam Fox, Shadow Defence Secretary, said:

"It was a great honour to be a part of the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Bedworth. As a country we are extremely fortunate that over the generations we have had so many of our fellow citizens willing to risk life and limb for our safety and security.

“It is right and proper that we honour them at this time, especially with the current campaign in Afghanistan that we remember those who are currently serving, as well as those who have sacrificed in the past, for our freedom and liberty".

Former soldier Dan Byles, the Conservative challenger in Bedworth, said:

“I was delighted that Liam could come to Bedworth to help launch the 2009 Poppy Appeal. It’s such an important cause. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the servicemen and women who have given so much for us as a nation – and who continue to do so daily in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

“The work of the Royal British Legion is vital. They provide essential welfare and support services to thousands of ex-service personnel every year, and here in Bedworth the spirit of the Legion is strong.

“Last year, the Bedworth Branch of the Legion had their best ever year for fundraising. This year they are aiming to do even better. And it’s up to all of us to help them in any way we can.”