I was privileged to lay a wreath in Northwich as part of Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

Given boundary changes and the approaching general election, this is likely to have been my last Remembrance Day here, so it was quite an emotional one for me. It’s an emotional day anyway.

We remembered the service and sacrifice of all those brave men and women in my constituency and beyond who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

And Remembrance is not just about the fallen of the two world wars but Britain’s involvement in more recent conflicts too.

Also in our minds were current situations abroad in which the UK is not directly engaged but where we long for peace given the horrendous loss of life.

The armed forces community is close to my heart as my grandad Joe served in the Army and was involved in the D-Day landings.

My other grandad, Ted, served as an RAF aircraft engineer for 27 years, including during the Second World War, rising to the rank of chief technician.

I feel strongly veterans deserve a better deal in terms of housing and benefits from Government. I’m well aware, especially in my new role as Shadow Minister for Homelessness, about the shocking number of ex-forces personnel who end up on the street.

At a local level, Cheshire West and Chester Council signed The Armed Forces Covenant back in 2012.

This is a promise to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. And the council, alongside its partners, has promoted the covenant to several thousand businesses across Cheshire.

CWAC provides extra support to veterans regarding housing options and help settling back into civilian life.

This year the council received a Gold Award in the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

A key support element is the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, which guarantees a job interview with the council to ex-services personnel who meet the essential criteria for an advertised role.

Northwich is lucky its very own Cllr Sam Naylor is the council’s Armed Forces Member Champion.

Like Sam, I am proud of our armed forces community and indebted to them for the commitment and sacrifices they and their families make on our behalf. I will always support them.

For more information about CWaC’s work to support the armed forces community, visit: westcheshirearmedforcescovenant.co.uk