Anna Gelderd Welcomes Funded Christmas Journeys for Service Personnel

Thousands of Armed Forces personnel across the South West will be able to claim a funded return journey home this Christmas, thanks to a new move welcomed by South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd.

Around 9,400 service members based in the region will be eligible for the support, which focuses on junior personnel in years 2 to 5 of their service. Many in this group are still finding their feet in military life and are often posted far from home. Separated parents with non-resident children will also be able to use the support to reconnect with family.

Help for Those Who Need It Most

Although some personnel already receive travel assistance, around 35,000 currently do not. Labour’s new plan is stepping in to change that by funding thousands of return journeys over the festive season.

The support can be used for both rail and road travel and is available either at Christmas or in the months afterwards. This means those serving on duty during the holiday period will still have the chance to travel home without missing out.

Anna Gelderd Welcomes the Move

Anna Gelderd said:

“We’re lucky to have a proud and deeply rooted Armed Forces community here in South East Cornwall. From our Royal Navy families around Torpoint, to veterans supported by the RBL in Callington and Saltash, and organisations like the China Fleet Club.

“This is about recognising the real people behind the uniform, the young man from Liskeard doing his first Christmas away, the single mum stationed far from her children. They give so much, and they deserve to be with the people they love.

“I’m so pleased Labour is making this happen. This is a powerful gesture of care and respect, and one that will make a world of difference to so many families this Christmas.”

Defence Secretary John Healey Responds

Defence Secretary John Healey MP added:

“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them.

“In this new era of threat, the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces. Having already awarded the biggest military pay rise in 20 years, and launched a big new strategy to renew military housing, this Government is proudly putting our Forces First.”

📷Anna Gelderd MP with Minister for Veterans, Al Carns, at Torpoint Council with members of the Royal British Legion and local veterans