Last week I got to participate in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme as part of the delegation to Gibraltar. This was the first time in a while I was back out with scheme. I was based and stayed at the Devil’s Tower Army Camp. All three of the Army, Navy and RAF have a presence in Gibraltar and it was fascinating to understand more about their role on the rock.

We took part in training exercises with the Royal Gibraltar regiment and went on a sovereignty patrol with the Royal Navy. It was also an amazing experience to explore the tunnels in the rock. An entire hospital was located in there during the Second World War when Gibraltar played a crucial role in aiding the allies in defeating Nazi Germany.

We also had some time for political meetings with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar and the Governor General. Lots of very important and live issues were discussed.

It was great to be somewhere where there is so much pride in Britain. Apparently, the vast majority of the primary children know all verses of the national anthem by heart. As was demonstrated time and time again during the dramatic coronation celebrations.

Throughout our history Gibraltar has played a crucial role in our national security and it continues to, hence the British military presence there. The overwhelming will of Gibraltarians is to remain British and there right to self-determination will always be paramount.

Remarkably, for the second time I bumped into a constituent whilst taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. This time it was Nathan, who is currently serving in the Royal Navy in Gibraltar. I went on a "Sovereignty patrol" in British waters. We were on a Fast Patrol Boat named "HMS Dagger", and Ipswich resident Nathan was one of those in charge on the vessel.

It's not a competition but on the three overseas visits I've done with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, none of the other MPs who have been on the trip have bumped into constituents. For me it has happened twice! The first time was last September when I was in Estonia near the Russian border and met a constituent serving at Tapa Army Base.

It's great to think there are so many Ipswich residents proudly serving our armed forces all over the world and its been an absolute pleasure to meet some of them.

Most recently, I had the pleasure of being invited by the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme to see part of Operation Interflex, the British-led multinational military operation to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It was a huge privilege to meet with Ukrainian troops. It was a humbling experience. In a matter of weeks many of the people I met could be on the frontline fighting Putin’s forces.

We spent the entire day finding out about the way the British and Canadian Armies are training Ukrainians to defend their homeland. I’m incredibly proud of the pivotal role we’re playing in supporting them. It’s pretty clear how valuable the five weeks the Ukrainians spend training here is for them. Clearly giving them the edge over the Russians when it comes to quality and technical expertise.

We saw them undertaking training in an urban and rural setting at Lydd Army base in Kent. About 600 Ukrainian’s are being trained at any one point in time. Each week 200 new recruits come and 200 leave. They range between between ages 18 and 56. Many have already spent time on the front line and most of who I spoke to will be on the front line shortly.

As always, a huge pleasure to spend so much time with members of our armed forces (all three services this time in Gibraltar). And an honour to see Ukrainian troops being trained before they are sent to the front line to fight Russian forces.