No expert, but the invasion doesn’t seem to be going particularly well. Ukrainian tractor steals Russian APC today 👇

Fuck me, he’s nailed it. Every word. 👇

If you haven’t seen it.. these Russian Paras yesterday were seeking a way to the top of a building.. obviously they took the lift (why not?) and the caretakers switched off the power and took a photo of them.

This will stop you in your tracks. Unbelievable. We gave them the names of those we trained to fight them. And some we will leave behind to the violence we see at the airport. An appalling day, verging from rage to tears. nitter.app/maj_retd_fox/status/14…

12 years ago this morning, LBdr Mark Chandler was shot at close quarters and died in my arms. The perfect soldier; loyal to the last. His parents never recovered, and both died prematurely. Afghan casts a long shadow. Much more to do. See you at the Valhalla brother 🫶

I think Jeremy should come with us in some of these operations and try to arrest individuals wearing suicide vests like Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. I may hang back at a safe distance and see how it goes.

If anyone knows these poppy sellers please DM me. I will try and rattle a tin with them tomorrow.. The saddest thing my generation of Veterans ever say to me is that they struggle to recognise the Country they wore the uniform for. This is not it. We mustn't allow it to become like this. London is a big City; there are plenty of areas to protest - the right for which Servicemen and women are proud to serve - without appearing to try and intimidate ordinary citizens trying to collect a bit of cash for Poppy Day - a non-political symbol.

14 years ago this morning, Mark was shot in the face next to me and died in my arms. I’m sure he’d be very happy now, got married, had babies, built a family. But he gave it all up for his Country. I will never forget him.

Beautiful day with some veterans down my way. This is my friend Owen and his Service dog Zaddi, from his Afghanistan tour. She’s too old to stand for the 2 minutes silence now, but on what will probably be her last Remembrance Day, she wanted to parade anyway. Never forget.

I lost a lot of friends in Afghanistan in June which can be a tough month. But this one really stung.. 11 years ago this morning Mark was shot in the face next to me and died in my arms. I still think of what might have been for him - family, life, happiness. #neverforget

Honestly? Try being in our shoes in the current environment. He panicked, he’s not trained in restraint and arrest, and if you think this is ‘serious violence’, you may need to recalibrate your sensitivities. Calm down, move on, and be thankful this wasn’t worse.

I don’t care what everyone else says, I think I’ve taken my sacking quite well 🤦🏽 Have a nice weekend x

In politics you have two sorts of people. Those who want to do something, or those who want to be someone. I’ve never seen it encapsulated so well in one photo.

I’m sorry to have been relieved of my responsibilities in Government tonight.

Asked on #bbcqt this evening, but I simply cannot bring myself to spend anymore time with colleagues like the appalling @EmilyThornberry. Do not underestimate how dangerous her position is - democracy, but only if people vote the way we say - is the beginning of a very dark road.

A personal statement. Time for others to step up. I will be spending time with my family and doing no media requests.

White poppies are attention seeking rubbish. Ignore the wearers of them. If you don’t want to wear a poppy don’t bother; they fought and died so you could choose. But don’t deliberately try and hijack it’s symbolism for your own ends. Well done @BrianWoodMC

I sometimes get teased for being thick because I spurned university to join up and serve when I was 19. Then I see what a Cambridge degree and career in politics does for this guy and so many others of my colleagues, and think I got it about right.

I’m sorry. It’s humiliating, and does not reflect the majority of my colleagues who *at least try* and lead by example. Thank you for your sacrifice and your wife’s work. I will always represent you above all else.

Yes. Jeremy Corbyn.

There is only one memorial of fallen soldiers in London. This is it. I will not stand idly by whilst individuals think this is the correct way to treat these memorials.

“I don’t know how much war actually costs in the end, but I know who always pays the price” A young Ukrainian reports for Military duty this morning in Kyiv.

This guy thought it was ok to shout and spit in the face of one of my young female activists. If this happens, I always take your address and come and visit personally asking you to apologise.

My determination to make this the best country in the world to be an Armed Forces Veteran remains unbowed. Delighted to return to Cabinet this evening, and looking forward to the mission supporting @RishiSunak

In other breaking news, wives have a mind and a life of their own.. She’s on this nuts journey with me - the highs and many lows. She is more than entitled to take the p**s out of me/the PM/whoever she likes.

Delighted to be the UK’s first Cabinet Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, which together with the Office for Veterans Affairs, finally aligns us with our international allies in how veterans are represented across Government. Promises to our Veterans are important, and will be kept

No.

I was one of Boris’ earliest backers last time. He’s a friend and I love him to bits. But I just don’t think I can put us through all that again. We must move forward in a calm, professional, competent manner with @RishiSunak as our PM. Country first. plymouthherald.co.uk/news/pl…

Felicity and I have cancelled our withdrawal agreement.

The painful truth is that this guy is completely right. Very uncomfortable with the position we Conservatives are needlessly forcing ourselves into. Do I fight it or stay silent? Modern Conservatism was always so much more to me. We must not lose our way.

Probably never been prouder of Plymouth than I was today. Rest in peace Dennis Hutchings. You’ve earned it. 🇬🇧

I have written to the Prime Minister.

This is shocking. Starmer this morning on a phone-in admitting he’s happy to see veterans in their 70’s and 80’s go to court for their service in Northern Ireland to appease Sinn Fein. You can wheel out as many vets as you like. If your values are this skewed, you need help.

Jeez. Bye

Those who asked me to help ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ need to seriously question their judgement. He’s a fool, a thug and a joke. The perceived alignment of him and U.K. Veterans/Military interests disturbs me. He represents everything we fought against. A clown in clown’s clothing.

Third one of these I’ve had of late, from an old Army contact. Contrast the values and ethos of that institution vs Parliament, and you’ll start to find answers of how we got the UK politically into such a mess. Values, integrity, ethos - never been more important, or more scarce

8th June is always a sad day - 13 years ago Mark was shot in the face and died in my arms. Spent the evening on the phone to his brother. Both his parents died before their time; him and his family’s sacrifices on behalf of this Nation dwarf those of us who survived those years.

In 2021/22 we are giving £55.3m to India in Foreign Aid. I am a strong supporter of foreign aid and voted against this Government’s reduction of it. However if we sanction Putin’s mates, it’s time to end this donation too. Far worthier causes around. telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2…

Grim stuff this. Would love to hear from the ‘Tory’ who briefed this. We clearly occupy different politics. We need more Angela’s in politics in my experiences with her.

My calculation? His majority at the next election went up today. Westminster: meltdown. Real world: see it as another frustration of their will, and the worst case scenario-more delay, and are resolutely behind him. Here he is earlier, spot on 👇

Breaks my heart to see such a divided and bitter Nation tonight. Unfair privilege and racism does exist and we have much more to do. But goes without saying desecrating the Country’s memorials to those who fought racism will not endear people to your cause nitter.app/DawkinsReturns/status/…

This clown needs to check his privilege. I read @JDVance book making the mistake of finding him quite interesting. By his own admission he spent his time in the Marines “writing articles and taking pictures”. Perhaps if he had got his hands dirty serving his country like so many of his fellow American and British veterans, chasing his own country’s crazy foreign policy ideas, he might not be so quick to dismiss their sacrifice.

The soldiers involved reject the findings of this. Like all normal people, they reject the analysis that they did not have an honest belief that heavily armed terrorists with a machine gun designed to shoot down aircraft and which had just been used to attack a police station did not pose an immediate threat.

Your view - fine. Not mine. And I’m still here. You left. Politics is about getting things done for the people that need it, and I’m doing my best for them.

The problem is that the selective outrage mob want it exclusively their way. Honestly? It’s all unnecessary, and I wish it wasn’t a feature of politics. But the reality is that your type and many MPs have stoked this fire for years, and cry wolf when it becomes a two way street.

And he’s now dead. There’s a lesson there.

Good to see @BorisJohnson in Kyiv this afternoon..

About now, 15 years ago this morning, Mark and I were crossing a road when we were opened up on with a machine gun at 80m. He died. I survived. As the years pass, in a country that longs to sink into amnesia, his sacrifice actually grows. Children, family, love. #neverforget

Fusilier Lee Rigby was murdered ten years ago today in an act that shocked the service community. His 12 year old son Jack has now raise over £40,000 for the brilliant @CorporalScotty charity that support military bereaved kids. Give what you can. scottyslittlesoldiers.enthus…

Earlier this week at the invite of local MPs, I was in and around Irpin, Bucha and Kyiv visiting wounded Ukrainian veterans, local MPs fighting to save their country, and families decimated by Putin’s indiscriminate military. Total carnage; incredible human spirit 🇺🇦

“Not guilty” Should never have happened. Hopefully this marks the lowest point in this Nation’s treatment of her Veterans. Government must act.

“Best country in the world to be a veteran.” 👇💔

My message to Veterans of the Afghanistan war. 👉You cannot control what is happening now. 👉What you did - the courage, sacrifice and humanity defined folk like me 👉I will ensure this Country never forgets what you sacrificed on the altar of this Nation’s freedom. ❤️‍🩹

People in Plymouth will miss this guy - mark my words. In the maelstrom of deception that is public life, he is a thoroughly decent man who was right about Truss and today shown to be entirely right about Labour. Thank you for your service to the Nation Rishi Sunak 🇬🇧

Putin: “Anyone who intervenes with our military operation in Ukraine will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history..” Ukrainian Farmers..

Bullshit.

Another day to be incredibly proud of UK cops. Name another country where someone here doesn’t end up dead. We talk about it, but here they show: genuinely world leading. nitter.app/fkhanage/status/117793…

Ultimately, all war is personal. 9 years ago this morning LBdr Mark Chandler was shot in the face next to me in close quarter combat, and died in my arms. He was the type of man men aspire to be, the perfect soldier. I still think of him almost every day.

It’s taken four years but we finally now have an Office for Veterans Affairs in the UK. Our people are indeed our finest asset, and I look forward to my role as the Government Minster for Defence People and Veterans.

Thoughts with @jeremycorbyn at this difficult time.

You’ll all have seen his picture - this guy is my friend. Chatted to him tonight. He epitomises the Airborne spirit. The day the UK ditches her Airborne and Commando Forces in pursuit of the latest fad, will be a dark day indeed. Bailing the UK Government out, since…

Uncomfortable in the chamber just now, but I had to be honest in my assessment that this deal is too heavily weighted against the reasons people voted for leave - to take back control of their Government, for whom too many think we don’t care what it’s like to walk in their shoes

You and me both. thetimes.co.uk/article/truth…

As the smoke clears on the events of this week, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everybody who has supported me over the last ten years. Becoming a public figure has never been natural for me. I had a cause that wouldn’t release its grip, that burnt itself deep into my soul as a young man. I had to become somebody in order to fight politically for those of my generation who desperately needed it after a war in Afghanistan which casts shadows to this day. I am proud of what we have done. We have dragged veterans affairs in the United Kingdom from a sympathy driven, charity led, well intended but often fatally competitive and disorganised effort, into a more professional, collaborative, veteran focussed Government supported system, which I know – because I have the letters – saves and changes the lives of those special souls who have sacrificed for the Nation, precisely who I came into public life to help. To those who feel I didn’t do enough, yes – I focussed on some areas more than others. Veterans’ rights, mental healthcare, rough sleeping, prosthetics and of course protecting Northern Ireland veterans. I was unsuccessful in some areas too – some issues remained outside my control, like Vets UK and compensation. I wear all the criticism. I did my best and often felt broken myself in the process. I am comfortable I could not have done more in the time and political space that I had. The opportunity for others to step up is always there. I felt enormous imposter syndrome daily, but always thought I owed it to those who never made it back from those Afghanistan years, and those for whom life had become a daily struggle, to press ahead - whatever the cost. Those of us who survived unscarred are lucky – nothing more; I thought that every day I went to work. I do want veterans to remember that we are not victims. We are privileged – we enjoy that “flavour of life because we have fought for it, that the protected shall never know”. It is a privilege to try and emulate our predecessors from battlefields past, but it ultimately is not an entitlement, and veterans must not become too hard to help. You will note already that, despite his explicit personal promises in the election campaign, Keir Starmer has not appointed a veterans minister to his Cabinet. If you understand what Veterans need from their Government, this matters very much. The step change in programmes like Op FORTITUDE, Op COURAGE, Op RESTORE, Op NOVA, Op PROSPER and all the others, were because I had that cross-Government capability and position – outside of the MoD. Those now in power, paraded around by Starmer for their various military experiences, must mark themselves on how they too now actually change the lives of those who need them in the serving and veteran community. I have fought hard for Plymouth, a City that has shaped me since I was a teenager and will always be my ‘home port’. I thank everybody who came out to vote for me last week, sincerely and deeply. I know in the current climate how hard that was. I am so proud of my office team, and my campaign team for their unstinting loyalty and commitment to Plymouth. Finally I must thank my wife, Felicity. She is the rock upon which I am built. Both during my time in the military, and subsequently in public life, she has sought to protect me always, and has the scars to prove it. As the saying goes, we are of course “bloodied, but unbowed”. See you soon. Johnny.

It’s not being a ‘rebel’ trying to get your Party to keep it’s promises to the electorate. The tide goes in and the tide goes out in politics, all I am is consistent. If that upsets you, I’m probably not in politics for you; I’m in it for those who need us to keep our promises.

I love my missus and I’m super proud of her. She’s far better than me, and pours her soul into Plymouth. Proud she works for me, proud we get to do this together. Thanks for all your support to her. plymouthherald.co.uk/news/ne…

I know one the the blokes he’s talking about. The contrast between what he’s given this nation to maintain the freedoms and free speech society so abused by Jeremy Corbyn and his allies, and this attempted ridicule of UK Armed Forces is stark. How on earth can you vote for him?

"I have been fighting for 17 years. I am willing to throw it all away to say to my senior leaders, I demand accountability." A reckoning will come for this catastrophe; military and political. For those of us who fought, it’s too much.

Calm the outrage. Sajid is spot on. I get the same lines when I talk about ‘genuine’ PTSD. Facts are clear; I feel for their desperation. But let’s not pretend these poor people are fleeing persecution... in France.

It came too late for Dennis. But today, finally, the Government announced a named bill in the Queen’s Speech that will bring an end to the vexatious legal pursuit of veterans who served in Northern Ireland. Some things take years. Never give up. telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/05…

Feeling a bit down this lunchtime.. truth hurts I suppose.

I've seen people get shot that take it better than this clown. What a talent; what a waste.

At court in Belfast this morning the case against Dennis Hutchings was closed. He died an innocent, decent and courageous man. I pay tribute to his resilient and loving family, and the wider UK Veteran community across the Country who wrapped their arms around them. #onebigfamily

No it’s not. At all. She says stupid things and gets held to account for it. Her race/sex/gender is totally irrelevant. But you knew that 🤦🏻‍♂️

Today I questioned Martyn Day, from Leigh Day Associates, who believes I am from a generation of soldiers who have such a problem with values and standards that we could have executed non-combatants in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s deluded. Take a look 👇👇

I will never understand why this Government is determined to appease those who hate us, and make our Northern Ireland generation of Veterans feel like shit. Back in the real world, the Country is deeply proud of you and your Service. Thank you 🇬🇧 telegraph.co.uk/politics/202…

A huge privilege to attend the funeral of 100 year old RAF veteran Oswald Dixon in Manchester this afternoon. He died with no known family; but actually had a huge one who all turned out today. #raf @BroughtonHouse

Unlike you I changed my life and career to get elected to Parliament to fight the life chances agenda for our poorest kids in Plymouth, which I’ve done successfully for five years now. I’d wager you’ve gobbed off a lot, but not changed a single life. You are a total fraud.

I’d probably stay there as well if I was you, rather than face the voters of Plymouth for that General Election you’ve been calling for for so long.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. I’m sat in a lay-by in Scotland trying to facilitate linkups in Kabul as the Taliban go door to door hunting specifically for Afghan SF. I’ll try and return calls later. Heart is slowly breaking by what we’ve done. 💔

I may be a ‘silly sod’ or a ‘twit’ - both of those are valid. But I also don’t think voters really want people who’ve spent more time at university than in a job, who get dropped in to a constituency, inserted with a party chip and parrot party lines. Glad to have stoked debate.

When I came to Parliament I promised to hold those accountable who conducted witch-hunts against U.K. Veterans. That promise was always professional and personal; I referred Phil Shiner to the National Crime Agency and he will now appear in court on Monday telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/06…

OTD in 1988 Cpls Derek Wood and David Howes were lynched by a mob in Belfast. One of the most horrific killings of the troubles; their killers were released under GFA. It’s a painful watch, but necessary to understand why recent developments are so wrong.

Never forget.

Particularly difficult leaving the wife and children on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, but the trial of another Northern Ireland veteran starts tomorrow in Belfast and I will be there to support him. Madness this continues. The price of failed manifesto commitments.

Great to be in Belfast again today supporting two elderly soldiers on trial for the alleged murder of an IRA commander in 1972. The case is close to collapse after the judge has ruled this morning that evidence is inadmissible. m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/new…

A gift from heaven on Armed Forces day. In awe of my beautiful wife. Welcome to the world Audrey 💕 instagram.com/p/CB84Qz-gm2h/…

Another ridiculous day. And a huge misjudgement of the mood of the Nation by an unfit Parliament. And totally self defeating for those obsessed with opposing anything this PM does - his numbers at the next election just jumped again.

Never in human history, has this sort of thing ended well. For any of them.

In 2021 I resigned over the UK Government continuing to allow the hounding of Veterans who served in Northern Ireland. Today that - and the Legacy Act I fought to bring in to end that practice, are yet again, entirely vindicated. The parasitical lawyers, spineless politicians on all sides, and wilfully mis-leading pressure groups need to stop weaponising families obvious and legitimate pain, and go back to that Legacy Act as the last real chance for truth before those who know it pass away. And it goes without saying, veterans should be able to live their lives in peace, and the Nation as a whole - led by the Prime Minister - should restate their gratitude for the peace that now exists in Northern Ireland. I won’t hold my breath.

This guy - the first time ever for a PM - fulfilled his campaign promises to the UK’s 2.2m Veterans. It is possible to get through political life without being a shit - as people are choosing to be now. He’s complex, he’s fearless, he’s Boris. And he’ll always be a friend.

On the attacks - they have no impact on me. I feel for the teams who support me, hence why I defend them at all costs. They don’t deserve people playing with the term ‘homeless’, or having their work maligned by people who’ve never sat through a single night with a veteran determined to take their own life, or recede into substance abuse or whatever demon they may have. I’m deeply proud of them. Sure - I’ll fight for them. We will never be amongst the ‘timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat’. And ultimately I’m my own harshest judge and critic. If I get something wrong I always own up. I qualified homelessness as rough sleeping every time I spoke about it. Finally I’m still ‘trending’ three days later apparently. So I’ll be off here for a while. I pay tribute to my wife who has had enough. She’s a special human being, with so much love and warmth. She gives what she gets sometimes - if you can’t take it back at you, you probably shouldn’t write it to her. I’m fiercely proud of her. As for me? I’m not going anywhere. I love the fight. Love it. Never more comfortable. See you soon 💕

Bit of a theme developing here.. they’re not even bothering to chase after them any more.

I made a promise to Naveed some time ago I would bring him to be with me in Plymouth, where he’ll work in my office. Special people did special things -from the point of his rescue through to welcoming him to Plymouth. I’ll be forever grateful to each of you. The code never dies.

Good news this morning. dailymail.co.uk/news/article…

You’ll find I go on about it less than anyone else. Apologies for having a career before politics that I refer back to occasionally. Perhaps I should have done something worthy with my life and become a left wing gobshite masquerading as a serious journalist.

This guy - @BrianWoodMC - is running 25 marathons in 25 days to remember the 635 British servicemen and women killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Today is #20 and he’s remembering someone who died in my arms. Donate if you can. Superhuman stuff: givepenny.com/the-ultimate-s…