Bury Council has pledged to support the Royal British Legion ‘Count Them In’ campaign to include ex-military personal questions in the 2021 census, thanks to a move by Liberal Democrat councillors.

Bury’s Liberal Democrat Council Group brought a motion to Bury’s Full Council to highlight the issue, which went on the receive support from both other parties and is now the Council’s policy.

Prestwich Lib Dem Councillor Steve Write, whose younger brother served as a Navy diver for over 25 years, said:

“After the 2011 census we knew more about the star wars Jedi population of the UK than about those who have served in our Armed Forces.

“Despite an estimated 1 in 10 of the UK population being members of the Armed Forces community, there’s very limited information about where they are or what their needs might be.

“We have a once in a generation opportunity to change this. By adding new questions to the 2021 census we can improve our understanding of this unique community and ensure that politicians, charities and service providers fully meet the needs of our serving personnel, veterans and their families.”

He want on to say:

“We all know the vital contribution members of our armed services make to our country, including risking their own lives to make sure that this country is safe, and that we live in a world which is safe. For this borough, with its special links to the Lancashire and Royal Fusiliers, this is a particularly important issue.

The Lib Dem proposal was supported by all other parties. Bury is now the 120th local council in Britain to back the Royal British Legion’s campaign.

Liberal Democrat Councillors Mary D’ALbert, Steve Wright and Tim Pickstone.

More information from the Royal British Legion.