It's on us: Ex-soldier turned MP says his generation of politicians must solve today's wars
A former soldier turned MP says he believes it is on this generation of politicians to solve today's wars.
Mike Martin, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells who also sits on the influential defence committee in parliament told BFBS Forces News: "I think the problems that we see in the world, whether it's in Europe, very close to home, in the Middle East or further afield, actually that's on us.
"That's on this generation of politicians to solve those wars and to build those international structures that help contain war."
The former British Army officer who served multiple tours in Helmand, Afghanistan, added, "We're going to have a difficult 10 or 15 years, but it's on us to step forward and solve that."
Mr Martin was speaking following the launch of the annual Garden of Remembrance in New Palace Yard at Parliament, which was created by the Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle six years ago.
Sir Lindsay led the planting of poppy tributes along with MPs, Ministers and representatives from the Commonwealth.
Speaking to BFBS Forces News, he said: "This is about remembering, because we are coming to the end of the last of the veterans of the Second World War, and that is also important.
"But the fact that they fought for peace in Europe, and now we see that peace has been broken, the aggression of Russia, the fact that we're going into another hard winter, where the people of Ukraine will continue to suffer with the hands of Russia, who don’t seem to want to have peace.
"We need to bring peace."
Sir Lindsay praised serving personnel and their families, saying: "We cannot thank you enough. Thank you for serving your country.
"But also, a big thank you to the families who support those who are serving at the moment. We cannot say enough to thank you. We appreciate all that you do.
"Both for those serving and the families that support them as well."
He explained the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme will feature heavily in a series of Remembrance events.
It was one of the biggest battles in history, beginning on 1 July and lasting until 18 November 1916, causing a staggering million casualties, with 60,000 killed or wounded on the first day alone.
Sir Lindsay said: "On Sunday night we'll be lighting up the tower to remind people about the atrocities of the First World War on the Somme that morning.
"This is us coming together as the parliamentary community, showing how we support our Armed Forces."
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
