Members of a veterans organisation in Beacon Hill spent time with one of the government’s big guns last week.

Johnny Mercer MP chatted and shared drinks with veterans and figures from charities who support them during a visit to the Hindhead Royal British Legion club last Friday.

The Minister for Veteran Affairs was invited to the village by Grey Stafford, the Conservative candidate for the new parliamentary seat of Farnham & Bordon.

Mr Mercer commended the “remarkable work” of the Hindhead RBL and Spirit of Normandy Trust, represented by past president Jim Edwards, respectively.

He also paid tribute to all the veterans’ organisations for their unwavering dedication to supporting those who have served our nation. 

He spoke passionately about his party, highlighting the establishment of the Office for Veterans Affairs and the appointment of a veterans’ minister in the Cabinet for the first time. 

He added that significant advancements have been made in veterans’ welfare, including dedicated pathways for physical and mental healthcare, programmes to support vulnerable veterans, and measures which have eradicated veterans’ homelessness.

Mr Stafford expressed his gratitude for the Minister’s visit, stating, “Farnham and Bordon has a long and distinguished military heritage, so I was delighted to welcome the Minister to Hindhead to meet with veterans.

“As someone whose family has a long military pedigree, I value the sacrifices made by our brave service personnel.”