PERSONNEL from RAF Wyton, the home of UK Strategic Command, enjoyed a tour of the Houses of Parliament accompanied by Shailesh Vara MP, who welcomed Lt Col Alex Mayes and colleagues from the 42 Engineer Regiment. Afterwards, they gathered for a meeting in the ancient 1,000-year splendour of Westminster Hall for a wide-ranging discussion covering the role of MPs, their accountability to the electorate, Parliamentary processes and decision-making concerning the military.
The war in Ukraine was discussed as well as the potential impact that the domestic policies of other nations could have on British defence strategy and on NATO. There were questions around 'fake' news and its potential for impacting politics, not least the outcome of general elections.
Lt Col Mayes said it was a rare opportunity to put questions to their local MP and hear how decisions are made at the highest levels of government, along with the role played by civil servants and outside experts. "We had a fantastic visit, an excellent opportunity to learn more about the processes that shape our lives each and every day," he added.
Shailesh told us: "Our military are on the front line ensuring the safety of our nation and I was grateful for their insight into a number of issues, especially from an RAF perspective."
