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 the Government's Op Fortitude programme has so far received over 2,000 referrals and housed 700 veterans, and that the programme will continue to be extended to ensure every veteran has a home.