Graham Allen, Labour MP for Nottingham North has just touched back down in Nottingham after spending a couple of days visiting local troops serving in Iraq.

Mr Allen was a vociferous opponent of the UK’s decision to go to war on George W. Bush’s timetable and even organised an alternative parliament to debate the impending war when Tony Blair initially refused to recall the Parliament at Westminster.

However, as soon as British troops were committed on the ground Mr Allen has given them his 100% backing and has worked in Parliament to ensure they have had all of the support they need to do their job.

Graham at Basra Air Base

Graham said: “Never mind Robin Hood, the boys from Bulwell I’ve met in Basra are Nottingham’s real heroes.  They put themselves on the line every single day and are completely dedicated to helping the Iraqi people rebuild their country.”

Graham with two local lads from Bulwell serving our country in Iraq

Graham spent his time in Iraq at a British Army base in Basra.  He met everyone from the Generals commanding the base to the troops out on the ground, many of whom were from Bulwell in Graham’s Nottingham North constituency.

Graham eating lunch with some troops from Nottingham

“I got a real incite into the great work our service men and women are doing in Iraq.  Its important to remember the sacrifices they are making every day, especially now as we run up to Remembrance Sunday and all take part in the annual poppy appeal.”

This certainly was no holiday! Some of the equipment Graham had to put on