Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP, Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon, visited the 21 Engineer Regiment at Claro Barracks in Ripon on Thursday, February 6. The visit was hosted by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col J Judge RE, and provided an opportunity for Julian to engage with the Warrant Officer and Officers of the regiment.
During the visit, Julian was given a tour of Claro Barracks, where he learned about the daily operations and the vital role the regiment plays in both national and international contexts. The tour was followed by a fireside chat, allowing the officers to discuss current affairs and exchange perspectives on global affairs and Britain's role in the world.
Julian expressed his admiration for the dedication and professionalism of the 21 Engineer Regiment, highlighting the importance of their work in maintaining national security and supporting international peacekeeping efforts. He also commended the regiment for their commitment to excellence and their contributions to the local community.
The visit concluded with a lunch in the Officers' Mess, where Julian had the opportunity to further engage with the officers and discuss topical issues.
Commenting, Julian said, "It was an honour to visit Claro Barracks and meet the exceptional servicemen of the 21 Engineer Regiment. Their dedication to service and their contributions to our nation's security are truly commendable. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about their work and to share my perspectives on current affairs."
