Supporting our Armed Forces

The armed forces are a key part of the identity of West Oxfordshire. RAF Brize Norton is the largest military air base in Europe and home to a third of the Royal Air Force, and those who live and work at the base contribute strongly to our community.

As the Vice Chair (RAF) for the Armed Forces APPG, and with a personal interest in the RAF, I have quickly established myself as a leading voice on defence and RAF matters in Parliament. I have also been a leading member of the campaign to protect our veterans from the spectacle of historic allegations - achieving the first stage of a protection against prosecution for our veterans.

I am working hard in Parliament to speak up on behalf of our armed forces and helping to ensure that West Oxfordshire remains a key military hub long into the future.

News

Robert Welcomes Announcement on Veteran Railcard

Wednesday, 22 January, 2020

Military veterans will get cut-price train travel to help boost job prospects and bring them closer to family and friends, with a new railcard on sale from Armistice Day, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (22 January 2020).

Robert Attends Remembrance Sunday Service in Witney

Sunday, 10 November, 2019

Robert said: "It was an honour to attend the Remembrance Sunday service in Witney today, to lay a wreath and to remember all those who have fallen in combat, those who have served, and those who serve today.

Office for Veterans' Affairs Begins to Take Shape

Wednesday, 16 October, 2019

In his first week in office, the Prime Minister established an Office for Veterans’ Affairs at the heart of government.

This creation was part of a government commitment to ensure world-class provision of life-long veterans’ care services in this country.

Robert Welcomes Italy Joining Team Tempest

Wednesday, 11 September, 2019

Italy will join the British-led Team Tempest programme building an advanced fighter jet, boosting the project's chances of getting the aircraft off the ground.

Robert Joins Veterans Breakfast at the White Hart in Minster Lovell

Monday, 9 September, 2019

Robert said: "Thanks to all the veterans at the regular monthly breakfast club for the invitation to join them at The White Hart, Minster Lovell - a hugely enjoyable morning learning about the breakfast club idea, with a brilliant bunch of guys from the RAF, Army & Navy - great banter and tha

Witney Gazette - Witney MP Robert Courts invites Boris Johnson to RAF Brize Norton

Friday, 2 August, 2019

Witney MP Robert Courts has invited Boris Johnson to visit RAF Brize Norton.

Mr Courts spoke during one of the new Prime Minister's first parliamentary questions sessions, asking Mr Johnson to meet service personnel and 'see why they need support'.

Robert Champions Contribution of RAF Brize Norton and Invites New PM Boris to Visit

Thursday, 25 July, 2019

During his first parliamentary questions session with MPs, new Prime Minister Boris Johnson was asked by Robert to join him in paying tribute to the “very hard and excellent work” done by everyone at RAF Brize Norton.

Robert Speaks to Veterans Protesting Against Historic Allegations

Friday, 19 July, 2019

Robert said: "I went to speak to a group of veterans who have come to Parliament to protest against historic investigations into armed forces personnel.

Robert Calls for Visa Fees for Commonwealth Veterans to be Abolished

Wednesday, 17 July, 2019

Robert has added his name to a cross-party group of MP’s who have written to Home Secretary Sajid Javid calling for the abolition of visa fees for Commonwealth servicemen and women in the British armed forces.

Robert Attends Annual Veterans v The Rest of The World Charity Cricket Match at Swinbrook Cricket Club

Sunday, 30 June, 2019

On Sunday, Robert attended the annual Veterans v The Rest of The World cricket tournament in aid of Supporting Wounded Veterans at the Swinbrook Cricket Club, which featured a very special appearance by West Oxfordshire’s own RAF Falcons, the UK’s premier military - and the RAF's - parachute disp