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MP thanked for pledging to "do his bit" for British Armed Forces – and attends Esher march-past on 19th February 2010

Ian Taylor MP for Esher & Walton has been thanked for pledging to doing his bit for the British Armed Forces family. He will also be in attendance on Friday 19th February at the march-past in Esher High-Street of the 22 Battery Royal Artillery and he sits on the Surrey Lord Lieutenant's Royal British Legion Fund-raising committee for whom he is hosting a lunch that day at Sandown Park for the Royal Artillery Cup.

Ian Taylor MP met with a delegation from The Royal British Legion at Westminster to get behind the charity's call for MPs of all parties to support the Armed Forces. He also discussed the Legion's manifesto and the changes that it is calling for.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) to "do their bit" for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion's Head of Public Affairs, said, "We're delighted to give Ian Taylor his pledge card. Our message to every MP and candidate standing at the general election is very simple: "It's time to do your bit. How you do that is entirely up to you but pledging publicly at www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk is a great way of showing your support for the whole Armed Forces family, both now and beyond the general election."

"Both the serving and ex-Service community need the support of politicians," he added. "Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration".

Ian Taylor MP said, "I have always supported the Armed Forces – even when I voted against the Iraq War, I made clear that the armed services had my support when they engaged in combat. My elder son is now an Army Captain, and served in Iraq, and twice in Afghanistan, so I understand the thoughts of families of men and women serving at the front line.”