MONTGOMERYSHIRE MP Craig Williams has become a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).

Established by Conservative MP Sir Neil Thorne in 1989, the AFPS provides military training to MPs of the UK Parliament. The course seeks to educate representatives through first-hand experience, improving the quality of debate on military issues.

While MPs can join any branch of the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom, Craig has chosen to join the Royal Air Force, and has already completed several days training at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, and RAF Marham.

Craig Williams MP said: “We remain hugely reliant on our armed forces both nationally and internationally, which was demonstrated so considerably this year through their significant contribution to Covid-19 testing and the delivery of vital supplies.

"This week we have also seen the first assembly of the UK Carrier Strike Group comprising nine ships, 15 fighter jets, 11 helicopters and 3,000 personnel from UK, US and Netherlands forces, which is the largest and most powerful European-led maritime force in almost 20 years.

“I have chosen to join the RAF, which has a significant presence in Montgomeryshire through the Low Flying Zone spanning the constituency. I am committed to taking this unique opportunity to learn more about how the armed forces function, and the substantial contribution it makes to Wales and the UK as a whole.”