The Bracknell MP has given his backing to a campaign fighting for justice for Commonwealth veterans.

James Sunderland said he hopes the Help The Commonwealth Veterans 8 campaign will generate "positive" publicity in its efforts to give Commonwealth veterans a fairer opportunity to apply to reside in the UK.

The response comes after Bracknell resident and former veteran David McMullen said he would "return his medals" to MP James Sunderland if the government doesn’t take action to remove the high application fees.

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Conservative Mr Sunderland said: "The simple answer is that I am supportive of the campaign. I served alongside many brilliant Foreign and Commonwealth soldiers and it is right that they are offered the opportunity to apply to remain in the UK, which of course they are under current policy.

"The issue in this particular case is that a number of soldiers did not do so. I cannot comment further on this as it is subject to legal action but my personal view as co-Chairman of the APPG for Veterans is that those who slipped through the net for whatever reason should be given the opportunity to apply retrospectively and that the cost of doing so should be reviewed.

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"In respect of whether Mr McMullen does return his medals to me as his MP, I hope that he chooses not to. I have already met him in Bracknell, we have communicated during the week and he knows my position on this."

Under current laws, commonwealth veterans who served in her Majesty’s British Forces have to pay thousands of pounds to permanently reside in the UK.

The campaign was inspired by Hannah Swart whose husband from South Africa served in the British Army could face being shipped back at any given moment because they cannot afford the £2,000 application fee.

David, alongside fellow commonwealth veterans, rallied in Parliament Square on Monday, October 5, calling for fairer treatment.

Despite this, Mr Sunderland believes the Home Office and MOD understand the frustrations from veterans but changes have to be consdidered first before changes are made to the currenty policy.

He added: " I believe that both the Home Office and MOD empathise with the position that some veterans find themselves in but of course Government policy needs to be considered in the round to make sure that any changes are viable, fair, enduring and in the wider interest.

"I absolutely cannot speak for the Government on this but I know that this key issue is being looked at closely in Westminster.

"I am a veteran myself and get where he is coming from."