Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy signs up to Army scheme
NEW Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy has volunteered for a "major" new role – in the Army.
The Conservative MP has undergone a medical examination after signing up to the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which will result in him being appointed an honorary Major in the Army.
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VOLUNTEER: Conservative MP Andrew Percy, who is being appointed an honorary Major in the Army.
The scheme, which is privately funded, will allow Mr Percy to spend 22 days with the Army during his spare time and will enable him to gain valuable insight into life in the Armed Forces.
Mr Percy, who has also bought himself a uniform and will be bestowed with the honorary rank of Major, will spend his time on bases, with the officer training corps and the cadet unit.
As part of the scheme, he could also be sent to watch operations in Northern Ireland and possibly even Afghanistan.
Mr Percy told the Telegraph: "I am doing this because I have a huge amount of respect for the military in general, and for me personally, the Army because of family links.
"It also gives me the opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges facing the military.
"As part of this scheme, I will be alongside soldiers and will be able to talk to them on the same level rather than from behind a pinstripe suit, so I should get to hear what the real challenges they face are."
He added: "North Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire are a big recruitment ground for the Armed Forces, which is why I felt it important to gain a better understanding of the way the military works.
"Like other parts of the UK, we have also suffered losses in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Mr Percy also believes that he will be able to use his experiences as part of his work in Parliament.
"I want to get an understanding of what it is like to be in the military and how they feel they are treated," the MP said.
"I also want to show general support for the Armed Forces, who do an amazing job, and if I can come back to Parliament and use my experience in debates on defence and such like, it means that I will not be operating from a position of ignorance about such matters."
Before Mr Percy was accepted on the scheme, he had to pass a full medical examination.
"The medical was probably the most nerve-wracking part of it," Mr Percy said.
He passed the exam with flying colours.
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by Silverback, Brigg
Friday, July 30 2010, 11:39PM
“It is very interesting to see so many negative comments by people who have never served in the military and therefore have no idea how military personnel past and present will view Andrew Percy's actions. If he gains a better insight and greater understanding of the lives of servicemen and their families and then uses this in parliament it can only do good. Ex serviceman 24 years service.”
by BC, Bonby
Monday, July 26 2010, 12:59PM
“Out of defeatism and sheer desperation (and stupidity) I see that a certain Liebor disciple is still peddling his opportunist and devious political propaganda and dogma on his blog.
Even now stooping to mock and ridicule Andrew Percy MP and an initiative to promote recognition and support for our heroic, lads and lasses out in Afghanistan and armed forces in general.
Where was his and SCLP's attacks, mockery and ridicule of the conduct and shattered reputation of their own HAS BEEN and at one time supposed right honourable member of parliament.
A staggeringly despicable fau pas and almighty hypocritical lack of political judgment and sophistication.
Cllr Grant would be well advised to up his game well before next May's elections, stick to his dogma and leave parody and mockery to others!!”
by BC, Bonby
Monday, July 26 2010, 9:06AM
“I have to be the last person in Nth Lincs to knock anyone else's cynical scepticism in respect of the intellect, calibre and integrity of too many of your 3rd rate politicians, councillors and public officials. Far too many are useless and spineless and are motivated by their own personal and political interests.`
However, purely in the best interests of our heroes in all the services, I prefer and commend everyone else to give such as Percy the benefit of the doubt on this alleged initiative?!
Perhaps best if we monitor and ensure that he does indeed "show his general support for the Armed Forces and also come back to Parliament and use his experience in debates on defence and such like".
I for one will definitely be watching out for his alleged future contributions and support.”
by Ahmed Polska, over here
Sunday, July 25 2010, 9:36PM
“Fair play to you mr P.
If only that war monger Blair had done something of the like !
Or even 'open the box, take the money' Elliot, what ever happened to him by the way ?”
by BriggMum, Brigg
Sunday, July 25 2010, 9:11PM
“I'd like to see him "serve" in Kabul, but let's get real - It aint gonna happen...
It's about time he got real too and understood that we don't want a politician falling over himself to impress us with posh titles, we just want him to do his job.
Not someone elses!”
by Cynical, Scunny
Saturday, July 24 2010, 9:53AM
“What a plonker! No chance of him being too close to the Taliban then? Just a holiday in the sun with a really good publicity chance to him no doubt.”
by Lerton-Barntwetet-Smythe, Normanby
Friday, July 23 2010, 4:45PM
“Ruddy good show from the Perce!
I'd like to see any of you have the bottle to serve in Kabul like this lion of a man.
Not just a local, but a national hero .”
by Stephen, Scunthorpe
Friday, July 23 2010, 3:56PM
“"Major Percy". Sounds and looks like something from Blackadder. My respect is for real soldiers not tin pot show-offs.
Typical Tory, all titles and money but no brains. Something to chatter about over a brandy, what what.”
by Isleman, Isle of Axholme
Friday, July 23 2010, 3:01PM
“On great - cuts galore, services being cancelled, new schools scrapped, higher taxes, more jobs to go but at least our MP gets to play at soldiers!”
by Tarquin, Somerby Road
Friday, July 23 2010, 2:59PM
“Rob s you sound like a very firm man,but very fair .”