“As Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces, I was delighted to welcome 120 soldiers representing both Regular and Reserve contributions to operations across the world to Parliament last Wednesday. Every single serviceman and woman demonstrated the work done by the British Army to protect our nation,” said North Wiltshire MP James Gray.

“The soldiers marched in to Parliament from Wellington Barracks through Carriage Gates, accompanied by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, halting at the North Door of Westminster Hall, where I, the Prime Minister, members of the All-Party Group, MPs and Peers of all Parties, the Sergeant at Arms, the Black Rod and staff of both Houses welcomed them and applauded their efforts on our behalf. I was pleased to say a few words of welcome along with the Prime Minister and to thank them for their service.”

Major General Rupert Jones, Director Engagement and Communication, who is shortly to take up the appointment of Standing Joint Force Commander said: “I am grateful to James Gray MP and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces for inviting the soldiers to march into Parliament and for hosting a special reception for us on the Terrace of the Palace of Westminster.“

“The British Army is deployed across the globe every day to protect the nation. Last Wednesday was a great opportunity to thank our highly skilled and professional soldiers for their selfless commitment.”

“After a group photo on the steps of Westminster Hall, we then proceeded to the Terrace of the House of Commons for a reception, where the soldiers were able to meet members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces and other Parliamentarians. They were then given guided tours of both Houses of Parliament,” added Mr Gray.