HUHNE WANTS VETERANS DAY TO MARK DEFENCE OF FREEDOMS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 27th Jun 2007

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has called for a greater national effort to mark the contribution that veterans of the armed forces have made to defend our freedoms and way of life.

Mr Huhne wants Veterans Day to be a national public holiday across the United Kingdom and is urging constituents to apply for the Veterans lapel badge that marks their service.

Any veterans who would like to get their badge can contact Chris' office in Eastleigh on 023 8062 0007

Mr Huhne is supporting an early day motion in parliament that "recognises the outstanding contribution that veterans have made to the country and believes that Veterans Day should be a national public holiday across the United Kingdom".

Mr Huhne said that it would make sense to declare a public holiday on or near the Veterans Day on 27th June to mark the successful defence of our freedoms in two world wars and other conflicts.

"It is important to keep alive the memory of all the sacrifices that our veterans made to fight for our freedoms and our way of life, and this would be an effective and popular way of doing so" said Mr Huhne.

"I also hope that local residents who have served in the armed services will apply for the veterans lapel badge. This is a discrete mark of former service, and is a talking point that enables people to remember the contribution of veterans.

"Any constituent who would like a badge is very welcome to contact my office and we will help to arrange it" said Mr Huhne.