SOUTH Cheshire MP Stephen O’Brien has pledged to 'do his bit' in supporting British Forces personnel.

The Eddisbury MP is a Member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and holds an honorary rank equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr O’Brien met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the Conservative party conference in Manchester where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election. The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and candidates to 'do their bit' for service personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.

Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s head of public affairs, said: “We’re really grateful to Stephen O’Brien for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns.

“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties.

"Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration."

Mr O’Brien said: “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion in Manchester this week. "They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family.

"The Government has brought Britain to the brink of a defence crisis and urgent action needs to be taken so those on the front line can receive all the assistance and support they need, in Afghanistan, here in Britain and on their return to civilian life.

“As the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) prepares to deploy for combat in Afghanistan, I will be maintaining the pressure on the Government to ensure they have enough men and resources to do the job we are asking of them. "It is clear from those on the frontline that they need more 'boots on the ground', more helicopters, more unmanned aerial vehicles, more armoured vehicles and special improvised explosive device clearance teams. "The Government has a duty to provide that equipment and those resources, and I will be calling on the Prime Minister at every opportunity to honour his promises, which he has failed to do so far."