LAST Saturday I had the privilege of attending Barnsley’s Armed Forces Celebration Day, where I met serving personnel, veterans, cadets and military families from across our borough.

I spoke to people who have served in conflicts around the world, young people just starting out in the cadets, and families who know all too well the sacrifices that military life can involve.

It was a great event that reminded me just how proud Barnsley is of its armed forces community - and how proud that community is to serve.

Tomorrow, as we mark National Armed Forces Day, I’ll be thinking about the people I met there and about the men and women who serve our country every day.

This year’s Armed Forces Day is a particularly special one for me, because it is my first as Defence Secretary. Having served in the army, it’s a huge honour to have the chance to serve alongside our armed forces once again.

My predecessor, John Healey, worked tirelessly on behalf of our armed forces, veterans and their families. He cares deeply about defence and those who serve and I will build on all his good work.

Every day in my new role, I see the professionalism, courage, and commitment of the people who keep our country safe. Whether they are deployed overseas, training here at home, supporting our allies, or helping communities in times of need, they represent the very best of our country.

That’s why Armed Forces Day matters. It gives us the chance to recognise those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them every step of the way.

Yet we need to go beyond recognition - and, while there is still much, much more to do, I’m proud of the work this Labour government has done in under two years.

We have delivered the biggest increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War - reaching 2.5 per cent of GDP three years earlier than expected - and a first-of-its-kind Strategic Defence Review.

We’ve given our armed forces personnel their largest pay rise in nearly 20 years, boosted morale across the services, and fixed more than 1,200 of the worst forces family homes.

We have put the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law, strengthened support for veterans through better access to housing, healthcare and employment, and launched VALOUR, a £50m programme to ensure veterans can get the help they need wherever they live.

And we’ve stepped up to lead internationally in support of Ukraine through the Coalition of the Willing and re-established Britain as a leading voice for Europe within NATO.

As I said, I know there’s more to do, and I’ll work tirelessly with my professional and dedicated team in the Ministry of Defence to get it done.

Because our armed forces stand up for us, and I’m determined to stand up for them: on the battlefield, in the barracks, and for all the time after their service ends.

So tomorrow, I hope you’ll join me in paying tribute to all our service personnel, past and present.