Emma McClarkin MEP takes part in Armed Forces scheme

Cadets at Sandhurst got a new recruit last week, as East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin joined them on training exercises, organised by the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).

The AFPS is a privately-run programme to give UK MPs and MEPs experience of the armed forces. By exposing its members to first-hand experience of the forces, the scheme aims to improve the quality of debate on military issues.

During her two days at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Emma went out on exercise training for Afghanistan with Senior Officer Cadets; helped to recreate real life situations troops may face on operation in Afghanistan by forming part of a civilian population in a training exercise; and also got chance to talk to the cadets about their time at Sandhurst.

Speaking following her two day experience, Emma said, “I was very impressed with the training that the Cadets get here at Sandhurst, and the passion and commitment that everyone demonstrates here is very humbling.”

“It was great to get chance to talk to some of the Cadets to see how they felt about the prospect of being in active operation, and I was glad to hear that they all feel ready and well prepared. I’m really pleased that I was able to come on this scheme, and it’s given me a very good insight into the work that is done by everyone here.”