Welcoming the 11th Light Brigade Home

On Monday June 7 I had the honour of attending a formal "March In" and Reception in Parliament to welcome the 11th Light Brigade home to the UK. For the last 6 months, this group has been the lead British Army formation in Afghanistan and it has suffered 61 losses and numerous casualties. The Brigade includes soldiers from 1 Royal Horse Artillery based in the Devizes Constituency (Bulford) and I was proud to be part of the welcoming group. The soldiers marched from Wellington Barracks, down Birdcage Walk, through Parliament Square, and finally through the Carriage Gates into the House of Commons, led by the Band of the Queen's Division. The March-Ins are a new idea, implemented by James Grey my MP neighbour in North Wiltshire and I think that they are an excellent opportunity for us to say "thank you" to those fighting so bravely for our safety.  I was able to take some of the troops on a tour of the Houses of Parliament and answer their questions - and they answered mine.  In particular, I was encouraged to hear their reports of making so much progress on the ground and their work can only hasten the day when we can welcome home all of  our troops. 

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