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, who is one of the leading parliamentary champions of the Royal Air Force, invited the Prime Minister to visit Brize Norton to meet service personnel and to see first-hand where they need further support.

Boris confirmed that he would be delighted to visit Brize Norton, joking that he will be required to go there “in the course of my duties, anyway”. The Prime Minister, who took office yesterday afternoon, continued by congratulating Robert on “the campaign he wages and the interest he shows in our armed services – and particularly the RAF.”

He confirmed that his Government would fully support armed forces personnel and drew attention to the 2.9% pay rise announced on Monday – which will see the average salary for service personnel rise by £995 per year.

Speaking after the exchange, Robert said: “I was delighted to welcome the new Prime Minister to his place by drawing his attention to the incredible – and critically important – work done by everyone at RAF Brize Norton.

“We need to take a close look at the offer we give to service personnel - from pay to pensions to accommodation - to ensure that their brave service is being rewarded and, ultimately, that they remain within the Forces.

“I was pleased to hear from Boris that this is something his Government intends to do – and I look forward to welcoming him to RAF Brize Norton in due course to discuss this matter in detail.”