Richard Tempest Mitchell: We must value public service, every day
2025, has been a year to remember the service and sacrifices of millions of public servants. We must not forget the sacrifices of many in bygone years and in 2026.
On August 15, we marked 80 years since Victory in Japan and on September 3, we remembered with Ted Rutland and others, the end of WW2, in 1945.
On request of the Mansfield Royal British Legion (now based at Debdale) MDC organised the VJ Day commemoration at the Civic Centre. Joined by Ted Rutland, Légion d'honneur, recipient, Mansfield did a great job in honouring the sacrifice made by many.
We must remember these events.
In WW2 millions of men and women gave their lives to protect the values of democracy, tolerance of diversity, fairness, mutual respect and the rule of law. These are British values.
Some 4,000,000 soldiers of many nationalities and religions from across Africa, the Middle East, India and the Caribbean stood side by side with British, American, ANZAC and Canadian troops fighting racism, fascism and dictatorship.
Their sacrifices suggest that we must all protect our freedoms, speaking out against racism and fascism today. We must remember why they fought.
On September 9, 2025, the UK marked 999 Day, (Emergency Services Day) we thanked our emergency service staff for their excellent service. They continue in service, 24/7 over the Christmas and New Years break. Thank you.
Police officer, firefighters, paramedics and NHS put their lives in danger every day to protect us.
Doctors, nurses and care staff from the UK and overseas, work hard in the NHS and care industry, every day . They do so, often in difficult conditions, often subject to abuse, violence and racism.
Today, 1 in 5 NHS workers comes from overseas. Without them, the NHS could not cope. We must remember their hard work.
We owe gratitude to all.
In July, Mansfield hosted the Tri Services Town show where the RAF, Army & Navy came together for the Mansfield. It was a fun, valuable and fantastic event for all ages.
Over 120 armed forces staff, many volunteering to serve our town, enjoyed it also. Thank you on their behalf for your welcome and support.
It was the biggest and best Town Show in the UK. I am working to try bring back the RAF Town Show in 2027.
Most will agree in us all valuing our armed forces and their public service, giving them the respect, gratitude and care they deserve, every day, not just on one off events.
In that vain, Mansfield District is reviewing and further improving local provision for current and former forces residents.
Utilising new Government funding, I am working with MDC, the RBL and other partners o ensure that we coordinate services locally. More on that in the New Year.
Government initiatives with £60 million funding, are already helping thousands of current and former forces personnel and their families, in areas such as careers, via Op ASCEND and Op Valour which aims to build local dedicated hubs in service of military and ex forces personnel.
Op Fortitude funding ensures that the housing requirements required in the Military Covenent are delivered. I work every week with MDC Housing Dept on housing issues for ex forces residents. Our forces residents are given priority for appropriate housing and supported where they decline.
In 2026, we will continue to value and work in service of the military family.
We must remember the sacrifices made by all of our forces and emergency services personnel.
Have a safe and prosperous New Year.