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From the benches to the ranks for Middlesbrough MP

A Labour Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland is taking the final steps to sign up to the Army Reserve.

Tom Blenkinsop Credit: John Stilwell/PA Archive/PA Images

MP Tom Blenkinsop is set to join the Army Reserve as part of the Royal Military Police Reserves.

He is undergoing the final assessment stage before he signs up for phase one basic training, which he will take alongside his parliamentary duties.

“I’m looking forward to going to Glencorse barracks in Scotland to start my formal Army assessment for the Army Reserve.

“Passing these tests will allow me to start training with the 243 Provost Company, Northern Detachment, 1 Regiment Royal Military Police, I can’t wait to start.

“My family has a strong tradition of military service, my father was a Royal Navy veteran, my grandfather was a British Army veteran and my brother has just joined the Royal Navy Reserve. Military service is a family tradition that I am proud to continue."

– Tom Blenkinsop

The Army Reserve is the largest of the Reserve Forces, and supports the Regular Army at home and overseas. Army Reserve Soldiers come from all walks of life and work part-time as soldiers for the British Army alongside full-time Regular soldiers.