Honour and gratitude for British armed forces

That this House reaffirms the profound value it places on the service, professionalism and sacrifice of the British armed forces; recognises the vital role played by service personnel in defending the security and freedoms of the United Kingdom at home and overseas; notes that recent public comments regarding British soldiers, though since clarified, caused understandable concern among serving personnel, veterans and their families; further notes that during operations in Afghanistan 457 members of the UK armed forces lost their lives; remembers with deep respect Lance Corporal Stephen McKee, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, and Lieutenant Neal Turkington, of 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, both from the constituency of Upper Bann, who were killed while serving their country in Afghanistan; acknowledges the long and distinguished contribution of communities across Northern Ireland to the armed forces; and expresses this House’s enduring gratitude to all those who have served and continue to serve, affirming that the courage, sacrifice and devotion of British soldiers, and the steadfast support of their families, reflect the very best of our nation and will always command the respect and pride of this House and the country.