Medway Council is backing the Royal British Legion’s Count Them In campaign, which calls for specific questions on the armed forces community to be included in the next UK census.

Labour group leader Cllr Vince Maple asked for the authority to show its support at the full council meeting, last week.

He said it would help the council work out the services needed to offer veterans in Medway better support.

Cllr Maple said: “It is deeply disappointing that statistically we currently know more about the UK’s Jedi community than we do about those who have served their country.

“It cannot be right that our servicemen and women, veterans and families are effectively hidden from official statistics.”

Council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett said: “We are proud of the Royal British Legion and our servicemen and women. I will be supporting the motion.”

Charles Byrne, director general of the RBL, said: “By adding questions to the 2021 UK Census, we can help public bodies and charities deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community, when and where it is needed most."

Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/census