LABOUR’S Shadow Minister visited veterans in Colchester to hear policy ideas for the upcoming General Election.

Steve McCabe MP for Birmingham, Selly Oaky and Shadow Defence Minister visited representatives of eight veteran’s organisations at the Colchester Officer’s Club during his visit on Tuesday.

Mr McCabe then had a curry lunch with Gurkha veterans at the nearby Abbeygate House before meeting residents in Shrub End.

Mr McCabe said he enjoyed his visit to Colchester for the Labour Veteran’s Voice event and added: “I met a fantastic range of people and groups, working on quality projects with veterans, as well as the local Gurkha community.”

“We owe all these people a huge debt and if I become Minister for Veterans, I’m determined to learn from and work with such groups.”

While Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Colchester Pam Cox said: “It was a pleasure to be able to introduce Steve to some of the organisations working hard to help veterans and their families in Colchester.

“If elected later this year, I would work to ensure that the next government does its best for this vital community, both in our city and beyond.”

The Armed Forces Business Centre, Army Benevolent Fund, Support Our Paras, Outside The Wire, Phoenix Heroes, SSAFA, iCARP CIC and Walking With The Wounded all attended the event.