The long and hard fought campaign to retain Portland's Search and Rescue (SAR) failed, despite the valiant efforts of many constituents and others. However, with Richard's support, HeliOperations took over Osprey Quay as a training base for their specialist aviation training courses for search and rescue aircrew in 2018, starting with German Navy pilots. Importantly, as well as bringing jobs and opportunities to Portland, the continued presence of a base has ensured a refuelling capacity at Osprey Quay for military and SAR helicopters.
Richard has long supported the campaign to end repeated and vexatious claims made against British service personnel and supported the Overseas Operations Bill, which is now law. He also backs the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which is intended to draw a line under the events of the past.
Richard wholeheartedly backs the Armed Forces' Covenant; the promise that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.
Richard remains in touch with Sergeant Alexander Blackman, after championing his case when the former Royal Marine was imprisoned for shooting and killing a wounded Taliban fighter in 2011. The case was controversial but campaigners who maintained that the senior non-commissioned officer was operating under intolerable pressure in impossible conditions without adequate support, were finally vindicated. Sergeant Blackman was released in April 2017.
