Britain's military praised for its effort supporting nation's war against coronavirus

Caroline Dinenage, Gosport MP, championed the thousands of troops who have stepped up during the pandemic to support the nation’s war on Covid-19.

The Gosport MP’s message came ahead of her visit to speak to the head of Portsmouth Naval Base, Commodore Jeremy Bailey, and the commanding officer of HMS Sultan, Captain John Voyce, for an update about the impact of the virus on the Senior Service.

It comes as the Ministry of Defence revealed that since the start of the pandemic, 3,291 military personnel – including 1,043 from the navy – had contracted Covid-19.

Culture minister Ms Dinenage said: ‘I am so proud to see our brilliant armed forces stepping up to the plate as always and playing such an integral role in our fight against Covid-19.

‘From supporting our NHS services, to co-ordinating mass testing and vaccinations, they continue to protect our residents from a very different foe.’

Speaking last week, defence secretary Ben Wallace said that 5,300 military personnel had been deployed across the UK and abroad to fight coronavirus.

Troops have played critical roles in supporting mass community testing and the vaccine rollout – as more than three million jabs have been administered in the UK.

Military personnel from across the Portsmouth area, including hundreds of gunners from 12th Regiment, Royal Artillery, on Thorney Island, have been involved in testing.

Mr Wallace said: ‘Our country faces an unprecedented challenge and our armed forces are working hand in hand with the NHS. We will continue to bolster those on the front line as they protect and care for the most vulnerable.

‘The sheer scope of the work undertaken by our armed forces, both in the UK and overseas, is a real testament to their resilience and willingness to be there when our country needs it.’

General Sir Nick Carter, chief of defence staff and head of the UK’s armed forces, said the British troops were committed to helping the nation out of the crisis.

He added: ‘These are really challenging times for everyone at the moment. We all have a role to play in supporting those on the frontline in the fight against the virus.

‘As ever, the armed forces are there to play our part in this collective national enterprise. We are proud to do what we can to provide our expertise wherever it is most needed.’

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