MP '˜disappointed census provides more information on Jedi than Armed Forces community'

It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million ex-servicemen and women 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 as suggested by the ‘Count Them In’ campaign 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.

Mr Loughton, who met representatives of The Royal British Legion, veterans and service personnel to discuss the campaign in Parliament last Monday (June 13), said: “It was a pleasure to meet with members of the Armed Forces community who, along with their families, make huge sacrifices in the service of our country.

“I also enjoyed meeting with staff from The Royal British Legion and hearing more about their ‘Count Them In’ campaign.

“I was very disappointed to learn that we currently know more about the UK’s Jedi community than we do about our Armed Forces. It cannot be right that our servicemen and women, veterans and their families are effectively hidden from official statistics, and that’s why I’m backing the call for new questions to be added to the next UK Census.

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

Chris Simpkins, director-general of The Royal British Legion, said: “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 Mr Loughton 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 visit the campaign’s website, or supporters can pledge their support on social media using the #CountThemIn hashtag.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.