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 Backs Veteran Railcard

Tuesday, 18 February, 2020

Robert said: "Available from Armistice Day and part of the Government’s Veterans Strategy, the Veteran Railcard offers a third off rail travel for veterans and their families! A brilliant idea I am glad to support."

Robert Welcomes Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans

Thursday, 30 January, 2020

Robert said: "Our 2019 Election Manifesto contained a welcome pledge to introduce a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for veterans, to remove the barriers that veterans face to employment after they have left military service and support their successful transition back into civilian life.

Robert Welcomes Minister for Defence Procurement to RAF Brize Norton

Thursday, 23 January, 2020

Robert said: "Great to welcome the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Heappey, to West Oxfordshire’s RAF Brize Norton today.

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.