Today (7th December) the Conservative Group motion, which looks to champion and support our Armed Forces communities and Suffolk’s military bases, passed at the Full Council Meeting of Suffolk County Council.
50 Councillors backed the motion, with 5 Green Party Councillors failing to support it by abstaining.
This motion seeks to uphold Suffolk’s long and noble tradition of military presence in Suffolk and the communities which surround it. Furthermore, the motion extends its gratitude to our allies from the United States of America stationed at U.S. Air Force bases in our County.
Suffolk County Council Conservatives recognise the importance of maintaining our military troops and bases across Suffolk and their strategic significance in the face of emerging global threats such as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Mick Fraser, and seconded by Councillor Jessica Fleming, both councillors have connections to our Armed Forces and Cllr Mick Fraser formerly served as an aircraft engineer and Army Warrant Officer.
By passing this motion, Suffolk County Council placed on record its support for His Majesty’s Government’s recent £5bn boost to military spending and aspiration to commit at least 2.5% of GDP to Defence spending.
Councillor Matthew Hicks said:
"The County Council has a long and proud history of supporting our Armed Forces and I'm delighted to have seen that reaffirmed today. However, it is hugely disappointing that 5 Green Party Councillors felt unable to support our motion, particularly at this time of year. I had hoped to see unanimous backing for our servicemen and women and it’s a real shame the Green Party chose to play politics on this motion of support to our Armed Forces. The intention of this motion was to say a huge thank you to all military personnel, both US and UK, stationed here in Suffolk and recognise additional government support. They are an integral part of our community and their contribution to our way of life and local economy cannot be underestimated. During this Christmas period, it's essential we pause and give thanks to those who, often at great risk, ensure the safety and security of our nation. We are in their debt."
Councillor Mick Fraser said:
"We, the Suffolk Conservatives, take great pride in our long and rich military history. As an ex-serviceman, I am honoured to put forward this motion and will always champion our Armed Forces whenever possible. My personal experience in the military is something I hold dear, and I have seen at firsthand the importance of knowing our efforts to preserve the peace and security of the nation are appreciated here at home. Today our Armed Forces can be in no doubt that Suffolk stands with them."
