Hugh Robertson launches Kent Poppy Appeal and urges people to give generously to help Servicemen and Women injured in Afghanistan

Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent and Shadow Sports and Olympics Minister, gave the address at the Kent Poppy Appeal lunch on Saturday at The Royal Engineers Barracks in Chatham.

The MP is a former serving soldier who saw active service in Northern Ireland, The Gulf War and Bosnia and has been a member of The Royal British Legion since leaving the army fourteen years ago.

In his speech, Hugh drew the audience’s attention to the fact that 19 Brigade had suffered nearly 70 deaths and just over 800 injuries during their time in Afghanistan. This is in addition to the casualties sustained earlier in the deployment, and in Iraq, and proves the continuing need for the work of The Royal British Legion.

He also paid tribute to the work of the local media in raising awareness of the issue.

Hugh said, “Many people associate the work of The Royal British Legion with the two world wars but the casualty figures returning from Afghanistan mean that there will be even more work to do in the years ahead”.

Hugh said,“I would urge everyone to get behind this year’s campaign, and campaigns in subsequent years, so that The Royal British Legion is able to step up its efforts on behalf of the many servicemen and women injured in Afghanistan”.