Former defence secretary Ben Wallace backs Mail on Sunday campaign to give free passports to all ex-servicemen and women aged 75 and over
Former Minister of Defense Ben Wallace last night joined a growing chorus of support for The Mail on Sunday’s Passports for Heroes campaign.
Mr Wallace gave his ‘full support’ to providing free passports to armed forces veterans aged 75 and over and called for Rishi Sunak to carry out the plan as the Tories are re-elected on July 4, saying our “great veterans really deserve this.”
Mr Wallace said: ‘The incredibly moving and emotional events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day are a powerful reminder of how much we owe as a nation to the men and women who served in our armed forces.’
Our campaign includes extending a free passport program introduced in 2004 for WWII veterans to those involved in later conflicts.
Last night, ex-servicemen who would be eligible for the extension joined the TV presenter and author Richard Osmanand actress Dame Sian Phillips, to show their support.
Former Defense Secretary Ben Wallace last night joined a growing chorus of support for The Mail on Sunday’s Passports for Heroes campaign
Richard Osman, author of The Thursday Murder Club books, has also supported the campaign. Mr Osman – who is also the creator and former presenter of the BBC quiz show Pointless – said: ‘This is a fitting way for us to say thank you to each new generation of military veterans.’
A campaign to give free passports to all ex-servicemen aged 75 and over – launched by The Mail on Sunday – is gathering pace (Stock Image)
The Mail on Sunday campaign includes expanding a free passport scheme introduced in 2004 for World War II veterans (pictured on D-Day) to those involved in later conflicts
In just one of many responses from veterans, Anthony Knight – an 86-year-old former senior aircraftman in the RAF who served in Cyprus from 1958 to 1960 – said it would be a “nice gesture” in recognition of his services.
The pensioner, who lives in Nottinghamshire with partner Jean, said he has taken ‘two nostalgic trips’ to Cyprus and would not rule out returning – except that his passport needed to be renewed.
Mr Knight, who recalled that ‘we could have been shot any day’ during the Cyprus Emergency, said: ‘It’s not that I’m in bad shape. It would just be a nice gesture from the government in recognition of what I have done.’
Our campaign is also supported by Chelsea retiree Steve Lovelock, 81, who served in Cyprus and Malaya. He said he had hoped to visit Normandy for the D-Day commemorations, but his passport had expired earlier this year. Renewing a passport can cost up to £100.
Yesterday another veteran, who served in the RAF for 14 years in Cyprus and Aden, told how he had long postponed a trip to visit his brother in Germany, partly because of the cost of renewing his passport.
The father-of-four and grandfather-of-six, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I hesitated because of the cost – times are not what they used to be financially.’
Gyles Brandreth, author and broadcaster, said: ‘This is a gesture of goodwill and a way of saying thank you to veterans – it will also contribute to their long-term mental health and quality of life. Sign me up!’
Lord Blunkett said: ‘I hugely welcome The Mail on Sunday’s campaign to honor a new generation of those who have served this country in the same way at home and abroad’
Call The Midwife star Jenny Agutter said: “I really want to support this campaign. It is clear that these soldiers should be recognized for what they have done for our country.”
Nicholas Witchell, former BBC royal correspondent, said: ‘They have done their bit, Britain should do its part: this is a wonderful way to show our support for our veterans.’
Julian Fellowes, Oscar-winning playwright and creator of Downton Abbey, said: ‘It seems the least we can do for people who have risked their lives for the good of our country’
Veterans gather at the Cenotaph in Weymouth before the Remembrance Day Sunday service
Richard Osman, author of The Thursday Murder Club books, has also supported the campaign. Mr Osman – who is also the creator and former presenter of the BBC quiz show Pointless – said: ‘This is a fitting way for us to say thank you to each new generation of military veterans.’
Award-winning actress Dame Sian said expanding the free passport scheme would allow a “grateful” nation to “express its gratitude to those who have served”.
Historian Lord Roberts, author of an acclaimed biography of Sir Winston Churchill, said: ‘This is an excellent way to thank those to whom we owe so much.’
Fellow bestselling author Lord Dobbs added: ‘We must do this to honor them, and what they have done for us. Let them travel in peace and with our gratitude.”
The celebrities who have already given their support
Some of Britain’s leading artists and entertainers have also contributed to the campaign.
Oscar-winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice is among those supporting Britain’s veterans.
Call The Midwife star Jenny Agutter said: “I really want to support this campaign. It is clear that these soldiers should be recognized for what they have done for our country.”
Gyles Brandreth, author and broadcaster, said: ‘This is a gesture of goodwill and a way of saying thank you to veterans – it will also contribute to their long-term mental health and quality of life. Sign me up!’
Oscar-winning copywriter Sir Tim Rice is among those supporting Britain’s veterans
Julian Fellowes, Oscar-winning playwright and creator of Downton Abbey, said: ‘It seems the least we can do for people who have risked their lives for the good of our country.’
Nicholas Witchell, former BBC royal correspondent, said: ‘They have done their bit, Britain should do its part: this is a wonderful way to show our support for our veterans.’
Jeffrey Archer, best-selling author, said, “No more than common sense that we must support those who gave us our freedom and upheld our democracy.”
Dame Janet Suzman, actress, said: ‘This is a great idea – I’m all for treating people who deserve our thanks with respect.’
