Wednesday December 17th 2025
Local MP Kirsty McNeil
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Local MP Kirsty McNeill has welcomed Labour’s Christmas travel support that enables Scottish Armed Forces personnel to reunite with their loved ones this Christmas.
While many in the Armed Forces already qualify for travel cost support, around 35,000 service personnel don’t currently qualify for this support.
That is changing this festive season, with 2600 Scottish Armed Forces personnel now able to claim for a return journey to be reunited with their friends and family this festive season.
Around 30,000 junior personnel in years 2-5 of their military careers – a group particularly affected by postings far from home early in their service – will receive a funded return journey to see their loved ones this Christmas.
A further 5,000 separated parents with non-resident children will also receive travel credit, helping them reunite with their children over Christmas.
Local MP Kirsty McNeill said:
“Labour promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and we are delivering on that promise. I know what an extraordinary commitment our armed forces show and I’m proud that Labour are supporting them to get home to their loved ones this Christmas.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our country safe. Helping them get home to their families for Christmas is the least we can do to support them”.
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