Sharon Hodgson, Member of Parliament for Washington and Sunderland West, has this week been appointed by the new Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer MP, to his shadow ministerial team. 

Sharon will be serving in the Shadow Defence team as Shadow Minister for Veterans, led by John Healey MP, the new Shadow Secretary of State for Defence. 

Sharon had previously served for 4.5 years as the Shadow Minister for Public Health under Jonathan Ashworth MP. 

Sharon said:

"I'm delighted to be asked to serve in Keir Starmer's shadow ministerial team as the Shadow Minister for Veterans. 

"The North East has a rich military history and I am looking forward to representing our communities from the Opposition front bench."

Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:
“I'm delighted Sharon is part of Labour's new shadow defence team. She's one of the best campaigning MPs in the House of Commons and she'll now lead our Labour crusade for veterans. Sharon will be a major asset for our front bench team."

ENDS

Sharon Hodgson, Member of Parliament for Washington and Sunderland West and Shadow Minister for Public Health, is supporting a callout for the Second World War generation

In order to mark the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, on the 8th May and 15th August respectively, veterans of the Second World War, both military and civilian, are being asked to register to be part of the nation’s commemorations.

Veterans can be of British, Commonwealth or Allied origin and all costs for their attendance will be met by The Royal British Legion and its partners.

Sharon said:

‘I’m delighted to be supporting the callout for these important anniversaries.

‘I take great pride in the fact that members of my own family served in the Armed Forces, including my father in the Royal Navy, Uncle in the Army and cousin in the Royal Marines.

‘It is so important that we recognise the sacrifice and dedication of the Armed Forces community, the British and Commonwealth veterans, the Allies that fought alongside us and the civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts.’

Further information can be found here: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events 

Registration closes for VE Day veterans on 17 February and for VJ Day veterans on 31 March.

As Honorary President of the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), Sharon helps the RBL and the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) launch their poppy appeal for 2017, at Sainsbury's and ASDA at the Galleries in Washington.

Sharon joined ex-service men and women volunteer poppy sellers, who are giving up their time this month once again, to raise money and awareness, for this year’s appeal.

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Nov-Dec 2016 number 90

Read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - News from Westminster - Nov-Dec 2016 number 90

Sharon met with ex-service men and women volunteer poppy sellers, who are giving up their time this month once again, to raise money and awareness, for this year’s appeal.  2214 (Usworth) Squadron, Air Training Corps Cadet volunteers were also out in good force to help make sure the appeal is a big success.

(pictured above) Sharon with the volunteer poppy sellers - the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion and the 2214 (Usworth) ATC Cadets - at ASDA in the Galleries, Washington

Sharon Hodgson MP's report - Oct-Nov 2016 number 89

Read Sharon Hodgson MP's report - News from Westminster - Oct-Nov 2016 number 89

Sharon was privileged once again to join the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland at this years' Remembrance Service at Washington Village.

Out in force were local residents, The Royal British Legion, current Active and Ex-Serving Men and Women of the Armed Forces, Cadet Forces, Local Sunderland City Councillors, Full-time and Voluntary Emergency Services Organisations, Clergy , Charity and Voluntary Community Groups, Local Trades, Local Heritage Societies, Miners’ Banner Groups, and Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies.

Along with placing a wreath to represent our national Parliament, Sharon was doubly-honoured to be asked to give a short speech at the beginning of the service in her capacity as Honorary President of the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Sharon joined ex-service men and women volunteer poppy sellers, who are giving up their time this month to raise money and awareness, for this year’s appeal, as well as representatives from The Rotary Club of Washington and Washington Athletic FC.

Washington Athletic FC are affiliated with the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion along with Usworth Army Cadets.