Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage yesterday welcomed representatives from the length and breadth of the Naval Service to Parliament.
Around 70 personnel, representing every aspect of the Navy and the Royal Marines – from Surface Fleet to Submariners, Royal Fleet Auxiliary to Navy Medics and Reservists to Fleet Air Arm as well as ranks from Able Seaman to Commodore, were welcomed at the Houses of Parliament before being invited to a reception in the House of Lords.
The reception was the brainchild of the Gosport MP in her role as Chair of the All Party Group for the Royal Navy. Caroline explained “I take this role very seriously and feel that it falls upon me to help educate Parliamentarians about the incredible value and far reaching extent of our ‘Senior Service.’”
In her introductory comments Caroline extended her gratitude to the guests and spoke about the important role the Naval Service plays in the air, on the ground and as part of field hospitals as well as their more widely recognised role in tackling dangers such as terrorism, piracy and drug smuggling on the high seas.
The reception was a chance for Parliamentarians to convey their sincere thanks for the hard work our Naval Service do to keep us safe at home and abroad; while also giving the Navy Personnel the opportunity to share their experiences with Peers and MPs.
The programme started with a group photograph in Westminster Hall followed by tea and sandwiches on the Terrace and finished with a tour of the House of Commons and House of Lords.