Every year Armistice Day provides a solemn reminder for us all of the deep debt of gratitude we owe both to those who have served and are serving in our armed forces. It is those same men and women who continue to ensure the safety and security of our nation on a daily basis.
On Friday 9th November, I was invited by Mrs Cross, the headteacher at St White’s Primary School in Cinderford to join a special service of remembrance which was supported by the local Royal British Legion branch and other members of the community.
It was a poignant assembly and I was impressed with the fantastic art work that the children had prepared. Their conduct was a credit to the School and I was pleased to say a few words during the service.
On Remembrance Sunday I was in Cinderford, to take part in a service organised by the local Royal British Legion branch.
This year was of course the centenary of the Armistice that marked the end of four years of bloody conflict. This devastating conflict claimed the lives of over eight hundred thousand British and Commonwealth service personnel. These losses were suffered from across all parts of society, ranging from workers at places like the Tin Works in Lydney to Viscount Quenington, a Gloucestershire Member of Parliament. We must hold dear each and every sacrifice that has been made in conflict.
November was an important month as it saw the culmination of a long standing campaign I have been involved with alongside Pam Plummer and her team at Action4OurCare. The Government finally fixed the cross-border healthcare settlement between England and Wales and in doing so ensured that more than 8,000 of my constituents are now able to receive the health care they are legally entitled to.
I have campaigned since 2013 with Action4OurCare to get this problem fixed as I have always said it is right that my constituents living in England, but with a GP registered in Wales, should be able to choose the hospital where they receive care, just like other English residents.
The Government, NHS England and the Welsh Government have now accepted that the previous cross-border protocol, which set out the process for residents accessing healthcare on both sides of the border, was flawed.
Because of the work that Action4OurCare have done in raising the profile of the issue, and as a result of numerous meetings I have had with Ministers and Officials, substantial work has now been completed to create a new Statement of Values and Principles (replacing the previous cross-border protocol).
This new Statement of Values and Principles provides a long-term solution to a situation which has caused many issues for constituents living in places like Tidenham, Tutshill, Sedbury and St Briavels. When Action4OurCare first made me aware of this issue in 2013, I wrote letters on a weekly basis to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board in Wales, on behalf of constituents who were suffering complex medical problems and who were being denied treatment in England. I am pleased that the Government has acted and that our campaign has been a success.