Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate and Honorary President of the Royal British Legion Beverley Branch, Graham Stuart, has a strong record of supporting veterans across Beverley and Holderness.
To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Graham attended a poignant wreath laying ceremony in Beverley to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. He did so in his role as Honorary President of the Royal British Legion Beverley Branch, a position he has been privileged to hold since 2022.
Later that day, Graham joined people from across the town at the Woodmansey D-Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony. To mark one of the most significant military operations in our history, beacons were lit across the UK and around the world as a powerful tribute to the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war, including in Woodmansey. He was delighted to meet so many local people there as they came together to remember the courageous men and women who gave their lives, and to raise money for Hull for Heroes and SSAFA to support veterans across the East Riding.
Graham’s support for veterans is further demonstrated by the support he provides the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC) in Beverley and Holderness. These Clubs provide an opportunity for veterans and service members from all branches of the armed forces to have a butty, brew and banter and receive support with any problems they may have.
In 2021, Graham met the inspirational founder of AFVBC, Dereck Hardman, in Parliament to give him a tour of the historic building and discuss ways they could continue their work together to support those who fought for our country. Back in 2019 Graham paid tribute to Dereck by nominating him for the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and was delighted to present him with his Certificate.
He continues his support by working closely with the Withernsea branch of the AFVBC and its committed founder, Darren England. Darren is one of Graham’s Community Champions for the work he does organising the club and the Remembrance Day celebrations in Withernsea. He also nominated Darren for one of the Prime Minister’s Points of Lights Award and was thrilled to present the award to him in front of over 50 veterans at one of the Butty, Brew and Banter mornings in March.
Graham is very pleased this Government has a proud record of delivering for veterans. They have cut the cost of the Veterans Railcard by almost a third, recognising veterans’ service for our country. The Government has also extended tax cuts for businesses who employ veterans, making it easier for them to gain access into the workplace after leaving service, and has committed to preserving the Office for Veterans Affairs to ensure their voices are heard at the highest level of Government.
Cllr Roy Begg stated, “I am very grateful to Graham for taking time out of his busy schedule to join us in our D-Day commemorations. He is an ardent champion of the armed forces in our area and the veterans were very pleased to see him on such a historic occasion.”
Graham Stuart, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Beverley and Holderness, said, “I’ll always stand up for our veterans, and pay tribute to those who have served and those heroes who have given their lives for our country. They are the best of us. That’s why it is such a privilege to work closely with wonderful organisations including the Royal British Legion and Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Clubs to ensure those who have served our country courageously get treated with the highest respect. If re-elected, I will continue to be their voice in Parliament.”
