Henry Smith MP has declared his support for the Royal British Legion’s Count Them In campaign, which calls for questions on the Armed Forces community to be included in the next UK Census.

Members of Parliament including Henry met with representatives of the Royal British Legion, Service personnel and veterans to discuss the campaign in Parliament.

Henry said;

“It was a real pleasure to meet with members of our Armed Forces community who, along with their families, make huge sacrifices to serve our country.

“It was also insightful to meet with RBL staff, and to learn more about the Count Them In campaign.

“It can’t be right that we know more about the UK’s Jedi community than we do about our Armed Forces. It isn’t right that our Servicemen and women, veterans and their families are effectively hidden from official statistics – which is why I’m supporting the call for new questions to be added to the next UK Census.

“We count on them – let’s count them in.”

It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a tenth of the population. However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including new questions on the next census would provide public bodies, local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community. 

Chris Simpkins, Director-General of the Royal British Legion, commented;

“As a nation we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country. By adding questions to the 2021 UK Census, we can help public bodies and charities deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community, when and where it is needed most.

“We thank Henry for adding his support to our campaign: together I’m confident that we can make the next census count for our Armed Forces community.”

For more information please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/census, or use the #CountThemIn hashtag on social media.