Veterans: Support

Jess Asato, the Labour MP for Lowestoft, asked the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, what steps the Government is taking to support veterans. The Minister, who is a veteran himself, stated that the Government is committed to improving services for veterans and working closely across government and with the devolved administrations to deliver on this. Jess Asato then highlighted the precarious funding situation of the Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre in her constituency, which provides valuable support and short stays for veterans and their families. She asked the Minister if he agrees that investing in locally valued veterans' charities is essential to providing the best support for service personnel. The Minister responded that he would be happy to visit the centre with Asato to see the brilliant work it does, and that the Government is looking at the best way to deliver support collaboratively across the charitable sector. Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, then raised the Prime Minister's conference pledge to house all veterans in need. However, he noted that the Government has since confirmed this will be done by exempting veterans from local connection and residency tests, rather than by making dedicated housing available. Obese-Jecty asked the Minister what guarantees the Government can offer veterans that homes will truly be there for them. The Minister stated that Operation Fortitude is underway, with over 2,000 referrals so far and 700 veterans placed in housing, and that the programme will continue to be extended to ensure every veteran has a home. Andrew Bowie, the Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, then intervened to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Brighton bombing, which killed five people, including a Conservative MP. Bowie praised the peace achieved in Northern Ireland, but expressed concern that the new Government's proposed repealing and replacement of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 could put veterans who served during the Troubles at risk of "ambulance-chasing lawyers with vexatious claims." The Minister assured Bowie that any individual who needs to go through legal proceedings will receive the correct welfare and legal support.