New Veterans Minister reveals he was on reserve duties in Finland when offered the role

The new Minister for Defence People, Service Families and Veterans has told Forces News he was in Finland on reservist duties when he got the call to take on the job.

Dr Andrew Murrison, a Royal Navy reservist and MP for South West Wiltshire, said it was an appropriate place to hear the news and was delighted to serve in the role.

He told Forces News, during a visit to the Poppy Factory, "the most important thing about defence, of course, is the people".

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"It is trying to improve the welfare and wellbeing of people who are serving, their families and veterans so, in particular, those who are serving want to remain."