The ‘Count Them In’ campaign calls for questions on the Armed Forces community to be included in the next UK Census.
It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a tenth of the population. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including new questions on the next census would provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community.
Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, met with representatives of The Royal British Legion, veterans and Service personnel to discuss the campaign in Parliament on Tuesday 13 September.
Mr. Hollinrake said of the meeting: “ I was honoured to meet with the members of the Armed Forces and staff from The Royal British Legion last week. I was very interested to learn more about the Count Them In campaign. I am happy give it my backing because I believe we must support those men and women who have done, and continue to do, so much for our country.”
Charles Byrne, Director-General of The Royal British Legion, said: “As a nation we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country. By adding questions to the 2021 UK Census, we can help public bodies and charities deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community, when and where it is needed most. We thank Kevin for adding his support to our campaign: together I’m confident that we can make the next census count for our Armed Forces community”
Constituents can find out more about the campaign by visiting the campaign website, www.britishlegion.org.uk/census, or by posting their own pledge of support on social media using the #CountThemIn hashtag.