I welcome the launch of the first ever Veterans Strategy. It was announced by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson on Monday 23rd April, as was the creation of a new cross-Government Veterans Unit.
A dedicated team will now begin engaging with stakeholders and the veterans’ community ahead of the release of the strategy in autumn. Some of the challenges facing veterans that the Defence Secretary has asked the team to prioritise include debt, housing, social isolation, public perception and mental and physical wellbeing.
The Veterans Unit will champion the changing needs of the ex-service community and ensure action is taken to meet these. Crucially, the Unit will be comprised of representatives from across Whitehall rather than solely from the Ministry of Defence.
Our veterans have done our country a tremendous service so we have a responsibility to protect them and give help where it is needed. I have sadly heard from veterans in Worcestershire about the challenges some of them face with issues such as debt and mental well-being so it is right that we take the opportunity to improve the support that is available to tackle these issues. A number of recent initiatives such as the troops to teachers bursary and veterans ID cards have been making a practical difference to the lives of veterans and I am proud that the Government has taken yet another significant step in launching the first ever Veterans Strategy.