Press Release 12 October 2009
DAVID HAMILTON MP PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRITISH SERVICEMEN & WOMEN SERVING IN THE GULF
Midlothian MP David Hamilton has paid tribute to the Royal Navy having spent five days onboard three vessels patrolling the Persian Gulf.
During the Parliamentary recess David spent time on three vessels near Bahrain as part of his role serving in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme HMS Kent, HMS Grimsby and RFA Lyme Bay. On board he was learning about their roles countering piracy in the waters off Somalia and the essential support they provide servicemen in Afghanistan.
David said “Personnel on board are doing a brilliant job with difficult challenging circumstances. The heat and humidity in the region is horrific and when combined with the uniforms and armoured protection they wear it becomes a physically demanding and daunting place to operate.
The value of this visit is that it gives an insight into life on the front-line and an idea of how the Government could improve the conditions of our troops. I will be working in Parliament and as part of the Defence Select Committee to pressure the Government into providing more suitable clothing and equipment to deal with the soaring heat and challenges that they face.
I was particularly pleased to meet and talk with people from Grangemouth and Musselburgh, including Able Seaman Tracey Philip, who has the distinction of being the oldest female recruit to ever join the Navy. The achievement that Tracey has made to join the Navy after raising a child is magnificent and I was impressed by her dedication and motivation. It was great to see her make such a valuable contribution to the work that the Royal Navy does”.
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