Colchester Labour Party

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Shadow Defence Team visit Colchester

Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy MP and Members of Labour’s Shadow Defence Team have been visiting Colchester today (2 February).

The team of four Shadow Ministers started their visit at the Middlewick Ranges, where they met local Councillors to talk about the partnership between local residents and Colchester’s military community.

Shadow defence ministers – Kevan Jones MP, Gemma Doyle MP, Alison Seabeck MP and Russell Brown MP – then joined Labour activists for a campaign session in Berechurch with Labour Councillors Dave Harris and Kim Naish.

After the visit to Berechurch, the Shadow Defence Team joined Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy for a visit to Colchester Garrison.

After touring Merville Barracks, the Shadow Defence Secretary went 'on air' with Garrison FM Radio, where radio station presenter Liz Mullen talked to Jim Murphy about his life and career in politics and his experiences of visiting Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Mr Murphy went on to visit Oakapple Close, where the Colne Housing Association after undertaking an army housing project. Mr Murphy met with housing officiers to discuss housing provision for ex-army personnel in Colchester. The discussion will form part of Labour Friends of Forces’ consultation on military resettlement.

Colchester Labour Party Chairman Jordan Newell said:

"I am delighted to be welcoming Jim and the team to Colchester. Their visit is an opportunity to see many aspects of our proud garrison town and learn about the role that the local community plays in supporting our armed forces personnel and their families for the duration of their time with us."

Mr Murphy concluded his visit in Greenstead, where he was the guest speaker at a fundraising evening for Colchester Labour Party. After speaking to a packed hall of over 50 Labour activists and supporters, Mr Murphy took questions on a range of issues including the economy, defence issues, Iran, public sector pay and Scottish independence.