Rishi Sunak pays tribute to 'brilliant' military on Armed Forces Day
The Prime Minister has joined the King in paying tribute to the military as events are held across the UK to mark Armed Forces Day.
Parades and flypasts are taking place around the country to thank the military community, with Falmouth playing host to this year’s national event with more than 1,000 military personnel, veterans and cadets marching through the Cornish town, as well as displays by the Red Arrows, Typhoon and more.
In a statement, Rishi Sunak praised the "brilliant" Armed Forces for their "phenomenal precision and professionalism".
He said: "From Estonia to the Indo-Pacific, as well as here at home, our Armed Forces personnel protect and defend our freedom every day of every year.
"Much of that service we do not see and often take for granted, but this year we have been privileged to watch thousands of our military on parade for the coronation, in what was a showcase of our forces' phenomenal precision and professionalism.
"So I know I speak for the entire country on this Armed Forces Day, when I say thank you to every soldier, sailor and aviator, and their families, who form part of our brilliant Armed Forces."
On Friday, the Prime Minister met with soldiers involved in last week's Trooping the Colour at Wellington Barracks to thank them for their dedication and service.
The King also paid tribute to the "immense and dedicated" military in a letter to mark Armed Forces Day.
Reflecting on his own active service in the military, the King said: "Having trained and served in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and having had such close affiliations over the course of the last 47 years as Colonel or Colonel-in-Chief of multiple regiments within the British Army, I know only too well of the deep pride our service personnel take in their duty, so superbly shown during our recent coronation.
"As your Commander-in-Chief, I send my warmest good wishes to you all, your families, and the entire Armed Forces community on this special day."
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow defence secretary John Healey MP met service personnel on Friday as they visited RAF Brize Norton – the RAF's biggest airbase – to mark Armed Forces Day.
Sir Keir thanked the military for what they do and praised their "sense of purpose".
Armed Forces Day, which is in its 15th year, will also be marked on Saturday by those deployed on Operation Interflex, the UK-based training programme turning Ukrainian civilians into soldiers.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Armed Forces Day recognises the commitment and resilience demonstrated by our entire Armed Forces community every day of the year.
"I hope the entire nation will join me today in paying tribute to this community and recognise all those who make so many sacrifices to uphold the freedoms and rights of the British people."
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