PENARTH MP Stephen Doughty travelled to the Arctic this week to see first-hand the Royal Marines Commandos in their cold weather and mountain training – spending the night building a survival shelter and camping in the wilderness.

The cross-party trip was part of Stephen’s commitment with the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, which gives Members of both the Commons and the Lords the opportunity of learning first-hand about the work of the Armed Forces, and the challenges facing them at home and on operations overseas.

The cold-weather training in northern Norway is amongst the toughest faced by British forces, and Stephen said: “This was an amazing opportunity to spend time speaking to and learning about the work of an incredibly adaptable, brave and resilient part of our armed forces who wear the famous Green Beret, as well as to learn how we work with allies like Norway and the Netherlands.

“The Royal Marines do incredible work in some of the harshest environments in the world, and support everything from combat operations to evacuating British civilians trapped abroad.

“I think it is crucial that more MPs spend time understanding the work of our Armed Forces and the challenges they face. We send them on operations and owe them our support on their return.”