By Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham

Like so many other activities this year, national and local events to mark Remembrance Day have been drastically affected. Whilst we remember those who gave their lives in defence of our country slightly differently this year, the message and sense of gratitude remains the same. The sense of duty of all in the Armed Forces community will never be forgotten.

The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal has also had to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic. With some people unable to leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy, and with many of the charity's collectors unable to carry out face to face collections, the RBL have unveiled a range of new ways for people to show their support remotely.

From donating online to undertaking a virtual Poppy Run, there are many ways to support from home. Service charities have been particularly hit by the pandemic as they are unable to fundraise as normal, impacting the services they can provide to those in need. I would encourage everyone in Wrexham to do their bit to support our service charities this year.

It is important that we not only look to the past to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in defence of our freedom, but we must look at how we can actively support our former and current Armed Forces personnel today.

I have spent the past month sitting on the Overseas Operations Public Bill Committee, scrutinising this important piece of legislation which will combat the cycle of reinvestigation and vexatious claims against those who have fought for our country, ensuring that they too do not fall victim to the stresses and strains of late and repeated allegations.

Last week Parliament Week was celebrated across the UK, an annual festival that engages people in a UK-wide discussion about our democracy. I particularly enjoyed meeting with pupils at Ysgol Bryn Alyn to hear what is important to them and to explain the role Parliament plays in the country and in our community.

I also took part in AVOW's Q&A session along with Clwyd South's MP, Simon Baynes to answer your questions on how Parliament works, in addition to a further Q&A session with the 'Playwork Foundation' to discuss childhood and the importance of play.

The UK Government continues to support the people of Wales through this pandemic and has given Wales an additional £5 billion since March to help people in Wrexham and across the whole of Wales. I continue to lobby the Welsh Government to allocate this funding now when it is needed most, ensuring it goes to support people and businesses in Wrexham.

I am pleased that the Chancellor has recently announced that he will be building on our unprecedented package of economic support with the extension of the furlough scheme which will continue to support jobs and businesses until March 2021. Both myself and the Government are committed to doing whatever possible to protect lives and livelihoods as we fight against this virus.

If I can be any assistance please don't hesitate to contact me: sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk