South Shields MP takes to the skies in Chinook helicopter as she thanks 'dedicated and brave' armed forces

The Labour MP for South Shields shared photos of herself on board a Chinook helicopter on Friday, April 30, as she thanked the armed forces for their “professionalism and bravery”.

The helicopter transportation was part of a visit to the armed forces Ms Lewell-Buck undertook as a member of the Defence Select Committee.

She told the Gazette: “It was an absolutely amazing experience and I am always blown away by how professional, dedicated and brave our armed forces are.

"We should never, ever forget how they keep us safe all year round and how well-represented we are on the world stage because of them.”

She added: “They just get on with their job, day in and day out. It’s really, really humbling.”

Describing it as “not my usual mode of travel”, Ms Lewell-Buck also thanked the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Committee in her tweet.

Posted on Friday, it said: “Chinook helicopter. Mot my usual mode of travel. Thank you @DefenceHQ @CommonsDefence

“But an even bigger thank you to our Armed Forces, their professionalism and bravery never ceases to humble me.”

Ms Lewell-Buck has been a member of the Defence Select Committee since March 2020.

The Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to “examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies” and currently has 11 members.

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