West Dorset MP Chris Loder has praised Kingston Maurward College for playing an important role in preparing students for a career in the armed forces.

He was speaking in the House of Commons this week, giving his support to the Armed Forces Bill which serves to renew the Armed Forces Act 2006. This provides the legal basis for the existence of the armed forces as disciplined bodies. The Bill amends the service justice system, further incorporates the Armed Forces Convent into law and creates a new Service Police Complaints Commissioner.

Mr Loder said that one in seven people in Dorset have a connection to the armed forces and therefore, the progress with the Armed Forces Convent is very important to him and constituents in West Dorset.

He said: "Dorset has a considerable military presence, we have 6,500 serving members in the surrounding military bases, whether that's Blandford camp, Bovington camp, RNAS Yeovilton or the Royal Marines base in Poole, Dorset is particularly well-served by the forces.

"But it is also important to note that while West Dorset is home to many serving and retired members of the armed forces, we play a very important role as well to those looking to progress their career in either the Army, the Navy, the Air Force or Marines, and at Kingston Maurward College… there are many, many students who are preparing for their career in the armed forces with military preparation diplomas.

"In Dorset County Hospital we have 30 Royal Marines coming to support our doctors, nurses, our support staff, our porters and so on to make sure we can really make progress in this coronavirus pandemic at this time."

He also mentioned the "proud history" the county had with the Dorset Regiment, dating back to 1751, the Dorset and Devonshire Regiment and The Rifles, which recently marked its 14th anniversary of inauguration.

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