ARMED forces members can now have a guaranteed seat in the public gallery of the House of Commons, thanks to a member of the Greenford branch of the Royal British Legion.
Ealing North MP Steve Pound made the request on behalf of the member, who told him about the difficulties of two servicemen who wanted to watch Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
The request was made at Wednesday's PMQs and Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed.
Mr Pound said: "Two servicemen on leave wanted to watch the proceedings, but found there was a queue snaking halfway round the Palace of Westminster.
"We should always do our best for our servicemen and women and I think it might be sobering for some politicians making decisions on the floor of the house to have those especially affected by them sitting in the gallery. This is an example of the nation's parliament thanking the nation's heroes."
John Bercow, the speaker of the Commons, announced the following day that six seats will be reserved in the front row of the public gallery during PMQs and other parliamentary debates.
In a statement to the Commons he said: "We owe a huge debt to those who serve in the armed forces. They will always be welcome in this place.
"I'm glad to say we will ensure that up to six visiting serving members of the armed forces will always be found a place in the gallery, whatever the other pressures may be."
If more than six are visiting, the remainder will be offered a tour of the Palace of Westminster and are able to sit in the public gallery in the House of Lords until seats become free in the Commons.
Charlie Doherty, Chairman of the Greenford Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "Anything which puts pressure on politicians to help as many servicemen as possible is a good thing. Helping them and their dependants is part of our ethos."
