I wish to inform the House that Rushmoor Borough Council has been selected to host the Armed Forces Day National Event in 2026.

Aldershot and Farnborough have a long and proud history with our military and are often referred to as the home of the British Army. Communities there have played a vital role in supporting, shaping, and honouring our Armed Forces over many decades. Hosting the National Event in the borough offers a chance to build on those deep connections, bringing the Armed Forces, the local community and wider society closer together. We congratulate the people of Rushmoor, the local council, and the local Member of Parliament Alex Baker for their successful campaign.

The national event is part of our wider commitment to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, and a whole of society approach to Defence, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review.

Under our Government, Armed Forces Day will therefore become bigger and bolder. The day will continue to be about gratitude but also about deepening people's knowledge of what the Armed Forces have to offer.

By working closely with local authorities, MPs and communities we will better demonstrate the contribution our Armed Forces make to national prosperity, to technology, skills, and innovation, as well as security.

While the National Event will take place in Rushmoor, Armed Forces Day is a celebration for the whole of the United Kingdom. We expect hundreds of smaller events to take place in towns and villages across the country. To support this, applications for grant funding for local events will open in January, and I encourage local authorities and community groups to apply.

Ultimately, this is a moment of national significance to recognise the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community: our serving personnel, veterans, cadets, and the families who support them. We owe them our gratitude for their dedication to keeping this nation safe.

In Britain, we are fortunate to have the very finest Armed Forces. Our Government is committed to ensuring our forces, our veterans and their families know that this Government and nation is on their side. Not just in Armed Forces week, but all year round.

Preparations for the event are now underway, and the Ministry of Defence will work closely with Rushmoor Borough Council to deliver a successful programme. I will keep the House updated as plans progress.

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