On the whole, Nesrine Malik makes some fair observations about how we in the party must find our own progressive way in the world when it comes to pride in our country and institutions (Labour won’t beat the right at flag-waving. It needs its own progressive patriotism, 8 February). Many of us have made the same point for a number of years as armed forces veterans active in the Labour party. Malik makes a passing and dismissive comment about Labour Friends of the Forces, which I and a group of grassroots Labour members, also veterans, have reformed into a purposeful campaigning organisation with Labour values firmly at its core.
Listen to Labour MPs in the House of Commons and hear the impact of our lobbying for visas for Commonwealth veterans and proper mental health support. This is the stuff of Labour support for people in the armed forces: the soldiers, sailors, airmen and women who salute the flag. It is no faint echo of the Tories, but a strong and passionate movement based on Labour values. I implore commentators on the left, including Malik, to please come and find out something about the long relationship between the armed forces and the left before writing off the authentic progressive patriotism that has long existed in our party.
Sarah Church
Co-chair, Labour Friends of the Forces
