MP sees the work of RAF at first hand

The work of the Armed Services has been seen at first hand by Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams.

Mr Williams has become a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS) and been visiting RAF stations as part of the project due to the amount of low-flying in the area.
 
Established in 1989, the AFPS provides military training to MPs of the UK Parliament.

The course seeks to educate representatives through first-hand experience, thereby improving the quality of debate on military issues.
 
While MPs can join any branch of the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom, Craig has chosen to join the Royal Air Force, and has already completed several days training at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, and RAF Marham.
 
Mr Williams said: “We remain hugely reliant on our armed forces both nationally and internationally, which was demonstrated so considerably this year through their significant contribution to Covid-19 testing and the delivery of vital supplies.

"This week we have also seen the first assembly of the UK Carrier Strike Group comprising 9 ships, 15 fighter jets, 11 helicopters and 3,000 personnel from UK, US and Netherlands forces, which is the largest and most powerful European-led maritime force in almost 20 years.
 
“I have chosen to join the RAF, which has a significant presence in Montgomeryshire through the Low Flying Zone spanning the constituency.

"I am committed to taking this unique opportunity to learn more about how the armed forces function, and the substantial contribution it makes to Wales and the UK as a whole.”