MP donates pay increase to charity

Mike Penning to donate his 2.3% pay rise to his 'Charity of the Year' the Hemel branch of the Royal British Legion.

Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, has pledged to give his 2.3% pay rise to his ‘Charity of the Year’ – the Hemel Hempstead branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mike who did not support the pay increase for MPs this year, said: “People are suffering enormously in my constituency and it must be particularly galling for someone who has lost their job to read about their MP’s pay rise. I’ve therefore decided that I will donate my pay increase to charity.

“The Royal British Legion does incredible work looking after the welfare of veterans and serving members of the armed forces in the area and I am proud to be able to support them in this way.”

Since becoming an MP, Mike has instigated the now-established House of Commons “welcome home” functions for military formations returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also a keen supporter of the veterans badge as a way of ensuring that our forces veterans get the recognition and respect they deserve.

The Royal British Legion Hemel Hempstead branch is Mike’s Charity of the Year 2008-09. The charity exists to look after the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces and also runs the annual poppy appeal.