Troops March To Houses Of Parliament

Soldiers from the British Army have marched to the Houses of Parliament for an event to celebrate their role across the globe.

The Army was invited to the event by James Gray MP, Chair of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust.

The event in Parliament marks the participation of Army personnel in operations, as well as overseas commitments and homeland resilience tasks such as Operation Tangham which saw British soldiers train and support the Somali army.

In total, 120 personnel were chosen to represent the 51,726 British troops who have served overseas on operations.

Accompanied by a band, the troops marched from Wellington Barracks to the Houses of Parliament.

Major General Rupert Jones, Director of Engagement and Communications, was at the parade today:

"Soldiers like to be recognised for their selfless commitment and they will have a fantastic day.

"They will walk tall and march tall"

Once the soldiers arrive at Parliament they will have a chance to meet parliamentarians and be thanked by parliamentarians.

The Chair of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust was the mind behind the parade today.

James Gray MP spoke about how the Army has 3000 troops currently deployed in all corners of the globe:

"I felt they were being ignored, we used to make a fuss of them when they got back from Afghanistan but actually the boys and girls who are out there in all sorts of funny places you wouldn't have heard of, they are being ignored."

Parliamentarians from across the house, including the Prime Minister, all came out to show their support.

Nia Griffith MP, Shadow Defence Secretary, wanted to thank the troops for "improving the safety and security of every single one of us in the UK"

"It is important we hear their stories and it is important we have that opportunity".

The day ended with a reception at the Palace of Westminster terrace, which is not an everyday occurrence for the 120 personnel, but a well-deserved break from the demands of their usual routine.