Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, has given his support to the cross-party campaign to end high visa fees for veterans who have served in the British Armed Forces from abroad.

The MP for Chesterfield and former Chair of Labour Friends of the Forces has offered his support to former soldier and Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis MP and the MP for Tonbridge and Malling, Tom Tugendhat, to urge the government to end these fees for those who wish to settle in the UK.

Currently, visas for people who have served in armed forces who are from abroad currently cost £2,389. Each member of their family also must also pay the fee if they want to remain in the UK, meaning it can cost a family of four nearly £10,000.

Toby has recently written to the Home Secretary to urge action on this issue as the government have previously promised to address this matter.

The Government have launched a consultation on proposals to scrap fees for people who have served in the armed forces for 12 years, but they have not extended this move for their family members.

Toby said: “I have always been proud to support the work of our armed forces. As the former Chair of Labour Friends of the Forces, I think it important to celebrate and recognise the tough job they do with often months apart from their loved ones.”

He added: “It is important that those who have helped our country are able to stay and not face financial or bureaucratic barriers to do so. It is why I feel it important to support the work of my colleagues across the political divide to change this.”