MP’s tribute to service families as Army career earns MBE

A YORKSHIRE MP and former soldier has paid tribute to the families of fallen colleagues after receiving an MBE for his military career.

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis was awarded the honour for services to the British armed forces.

During his 15-year Army career, Mr Jarvis served with the Paras in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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He was Aide de Camp to General Sir Mike Jackson, in his role as overall commander of forces in Kosovo and as head of the British Army.

The Labour politician also served as a Platoon Commander with 1 Para in Kosovo, as Adjutant of 3 Para in Northern Ireland and Iraq and as a Company Commander with 1 Para in Afghanistan.

He said: “I feel extremely honoured and humbled to receive this accolade.

“On a day like today, however, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the fallen.

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“Great Britain is lucky to have the best armed forces in the world and I was proud to serve alongside some outstanding people.”

He also spoke of the opportunity military life had given him.

He added: “The army has afforded me friends and experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“I still strongly believe that the Army offers young people in this country exceptional life and career opportunities.

“The MBE is a great honour.

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“I now look forward to getting on with the task of representing the people of Barnsley Central.”

Jarvis was elected to Parliament this year in the South Yorkshire Labour stronghold.

Despite the party’s reputation being tarnished by the resignation of expenses cheat and former Labour MP Eric Illsley, Mr Jarvis actually managed to increase his party’s majority from 11,093 to 11,771.

This was despite a much lower turnout than in last May’s general election with only 36.5 per cent of registered voters casting their ballots, down from more than 50 per cent last year.

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The result also highlighted the Liberal Democrats collapse in the polls since forming the coalition Government.

The party’s candidate Dominic Carman losing his deposit after securing a meagre 4.18 per cent vote share and finishing sixth.

Since taking his seat Mr Jarvis has spoken out on issues of defence.

Last month he criticised plans to consider reducing the number of soldiers who receive danger pay.

He warned MPs that cutting the number of soldiers who receive parachute training risked sapping the morale of troops, who could lose up to £2,000 a year.