Ian Roome MP appointed Lib Dem Spokesperson for Veterans & Service Personnel

North Devon MP Ian Roome has been selected by the Liberal Democrats as the party’s new Veterans and Service Personnel Spokesperson, which is a national role to champion the interests of those who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces. 

The appointment was announced yesterday by Sir Ed Davey MP as part of a series of changes to the party’s frontbench team. 

Ian Roome MP is an RAF veteran, serves on Parliament’s cross-party Defence Select Committee, and is a graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Defence Studies. 

The South West has the highest proportion of veterans and serving personnel of any region of the UK, and North Devon’s MP Ian Roome has made it a priority to ensure that the experiences and concerns of the Armed Forces community are properly heard in Parliament. 

The appointment comes as the Liberal Democrats step up their work on defence and veterans’ affairs, focusing on tackling recruitment and retention challenges, improving military housing, and ensuring our armed forces have the training, equipment and support they need to defend the UK and its overseas territories. 

Taking up the role on Armistice Day, Ian Roome MP said: 

“On a day when we remember all those who have served and sacrificed so much, it is important that we recognise our responsibilities to veterans and all those still serving in uniform. 

“I’m incredibly proud to take on this responsibility, especially given North Devon’s proud military heritage and strong military community here with RMB Chivenor; a base I know closely from my own time stationed there when it was RAF Chivenor back in the 1980s. Knowing many local veterans and service families personally, I understand the many sacrifices made by those who serve, and the challenges that often continue long after they leave the military.” 

“We owe an enormous debt to those who serve our country. Yet too many veterans and their families still struggle to access the support and recognition they deserve. I want to change that.  

“War continues in Europe and the Middle East, cyber threats are growing, and the international order faces mounting challenges. Britain’s Armed Forces have rarely been more important, and we must ensure they have the support and resources they need.”