Graham Simpson congratulates North Lanarkshire Council for supporting the Poppy Scotland’s Count Them In Campaign.
North Lanarkshire Council agreed a motion which called for the Council to support the campaign which aims to see the inclusion of an Armed Forces question in the next census in 2021.
It aims to record critical information about the size, location and profile of this community to gain insight that will help Poppy Scotland, along with other voluntary and statutory organisations develop future services.
The Armed Forces community in Scotland is made up of serving (regular and reservists) and ex-Service people and their dependants. It is estimated to be around 530,000. However, despite this representing around 10% of the Scottish population, little is known about this group and the welfare needs they may face.
Graham Simpson MSP said: “I welcome the news that North Lanarkshire Council will support the Poppy Scotland’s Count Them In Campaign. Poppy Scotland hope by including the armed forces community in the 2021 census they can help public bodies and charities deliver services to meet their needs.
“We owe our service personnel an enormous debt of gratitude. Each year the Poppy Scotland appeals see the nation come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“By including the armed forces community in the 2021 census, community bodies will have greater knowledge to shape and develop services. I hope the public gets behind the campaign to count them in.”