Rochdale councillor appointed to Labour Party body to support veterans

Councillor Faisal Rana

A Rochdale councillor has been appointed to a Labour Party body to support the armed forces and military veterans.

Councillor Faisal Rana was nominated to serve as a member of the Armed Forces' Champions Network by the party's Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey MP.

The body is a link between senior councillors working with the Forces around the country and Labour's front bench team in Westminster.

The group allows councillors from all over the country the opportunity to share ideas on how best to support our armed forces and veterans.

Councillor Rana said: "We will meet regularly with Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Defence which gives us a direct link to Labour's front bench team in the House of Commons.

"Our MPs will then be better informed to raise issues and concerns of the Armed Forces community and veterans with the government.

"I'm a big supporter of our armed forces and Rochdale Council is one of the leading councils in the country working with current and former military personnel to improve a wide range of services.

"We were one of the first councils to sign the Armed Forces Covenant which is a pledge to support all those who serve or who have served in the armed forces. They and their families should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they have so gallantly served.

"Being a member of Labour's network will allow me to share good practice and ensure many more areas offer assistance for veterans in finding a home, starting a new career, supporting family well being and improving access to healthcare and financial assistance.

"Rochdale has made a great deal of progress in the support we offer current and ex military personnel. I want that to be shared across the country."

Mr Healey said: "It's great to hear of the positive work Rochdale is doing for your armed forces community.

"I want to develop a network as a two way link between our leading councillors and our shadow front bench team."

Councillor Rana served as a Lieutenant in the Pakistan Navy in a career spanning 15 years before settling in Rochdale.