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Because the nation commemorates the eightieth anniversary of D-Day on Thursday, The Mail on Sunday launches a marketing campaign to honour and reward navy veterans for his or her wartime efforts on behalf of the nation.
We name on the following authorities to increase a little-known scheme that gives free passport renewals for British residents who served in the course of the Second World Battle and earlier than.
At present, free passports are given to these veterans who had been born on or earlier than September 2, 1929 (a date set to incorporate these aged 16 or older on the finish of the Second World Battle).
However on condition that the concession, launched by the Labour authorities in 2004, now impacts fewer folks – making use of solely to these aged 94 and over – the MoS believes it ought to be widened.
It could even be a thanks to ex-servicemen and girls at a time when our Armed Forces have develop into so depleted and when world peace is so frail as an aggressive Russia poses simply certainly one of many threats.
A British Centurion tank of the eighth King’s Royal Irish Hussars climbs the financial institution of the Imjin River after patrolling Korea
The MoS’s Passports for Heroes marketing campaign asks without cost passports to be supplied to these now aged 75 or over – which is able to embrace those that performed their half in conflicts such because the Korean Battle from 1950 to 1953 and the Falklands Battle in 1982.
Extending the concession would make it simpler for the veterans to journey abroad for commemorative occasions and holidays.
Our marketing campaign has been welcomed as an imaginative and patriotic transfer by a number of main figures, from navy chiefs to politicians and figures from the world of leisure.
Former Residence Secretary David Blunkett, who launched the unique concession, backed our marketing campaign.
Writing on these pages, he calls it a ‘small however vital’ gesture. With the price of renewing a passport now as much as £100, he says this might make a ‘large distinction’ to veterans.
Final evening, former Labour Defence Minister Kevan Jones threw his weight behind the marketing campaign.
He stated: ‘I believe this may be becoming reward for the contribution these members of the Armed Forces have made. I hope that whichever social gathering takes over after the Election does each factor they will to implement this plan.’
The daughter of Britain’s wartime sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn stated her mom would have ‘wholeheartedly backed this large marketing campaign’. Virginia Lewis-Jones, 78, stated: ‘Mummy would have completely wished this for all her girls and boys.
![The Royal Marines in San Carlos during the Falklands War, raising the Union Jack](https://i0.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/06/01/22/85603433-0-image-m-3_1717276804113.jpg?resize=634%2C482&ssl=1)
The Royal Marines in San Carlos in the course of the Falklands Battle, elevating the Union Jack
‘Once you consider how veterans in the US are sorted, with issues comparable to veterans’ hospitals and every kind of care, the best way we deal with ours as compared is sort of appalling. I’m all for these passports – it’s a splendid concept.’
Falklands hero Simon Weston stated the marketing campaign was a ‘marvellous’ tribute.
The 64-year-old former Welsh Guardsman, who was severely burned when his ship Sir Galahad was bombed by Argentine fighters in the course of the Falklands battle, added: ‘These women and men are one of the best of British and recognising them on this means is nice. It is a becoming gesture.’
Requested to touch upon the MoS marketing campaign final evening, Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey vowed that if a Labour authorities was elected, ‘we are going to proceed to work carefully with veterans’ teams to ensure their wants are finest met’.
A Conservative Social gathering spokesperson stated: ‘We’re the social gathering of veterans and as we have now achieved prior to now, will proceed to hear and supply assist the place it is wanted.
Liberal Democrat Defence spokesman Richard Foord stated they ‘will look at’ the passports proposal ‘in our truthful deal fee for veterans’.