Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, has paid tribute to local Royal Marine, Matthew Harrison (aged 23) who died at the field hospital in Camp Bastion last Tuesday.

Mike said:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this brave young marine who has died, so young, in Afghanistan. The young men and women who are fighting on our behalf so far from home are incredibly selfless and brave and I am full of admiration for them.

“This is a very sad time for the family and friends who live in our town. There is nothing that I can say that will make things easier. Marine Harrison has made the ultimate sacrifice serving our great country, doing a job that not only makes our country safer for the rest of us, but will also improve the lives of ordinary Afghan people.

“He died doing a job that he loved and for a worthwhile cause - helping the people of Afghanistan restore peace in their country. My prayers are with him and his family.”