MP encourages Oldhamers to ‘honour and remember’ the service of armed forces

Oldham Civic Centre was lit up with poppies last year

Local MP Jim McMahon has called for local residents in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of UK Armed Forces this Remembrance Sunday.

This week, communities across the country will come together to pay tribute to those who fought and died in the First World War and all conflicts since.

Today, the UK’s servicemen and servicewomen continue to play a central role to protect British interests and values, from training Ukrainian troops to supporting NATO allies in Estonia.

Following the launch of its national poppy appeal, the Royal British Legion (RBL) are back in local communities across the country to raise vital funds to support our armed forces communities.

Mr McMahon's Labour Party is backing the charity’s efforts to encourage schools across the country to support the teaching of remembrance, to ensure its importance is passed on to the next generation.

The charity has developed a range of free teaching resources to be used in local schools or at home, with all of the lesson plans linked to the national curriculum for key stages 1-5.

Oldham West and Royton MP Mr McMahon said: “During remembrance, we honour and remember the sacrifices made by Chadderton, Oldham and Royton service men and service women, veterans and their families.

“From Flanders Fields to supporting our NATO allies to deter Russian aggression, our armed forces continue to protect us at home and abroad.

"Theirs is the ultimate public service.

“It’s vital we recognise their heroic efforts, so I encourage Chadderton, Oldham and Royton residents to support the local poppy appeal and pass on the importance of Remembrance to the next generation.”

Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, added: “Remembrance is a time when the nation comes together to honour all those who have served in our Armed Forces, present and past.

“This year service personnel have played a leading role in the UK’s united support for Ukraine, coordinating supplies, training troops and supporting our NATO allies.

“Above all we remember those we’ve lost in conflict through the years, who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep Britain safe.

"We will remember them.”

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