House of Commons · General Debate
12 March 2020 · 21 other contributors
Opened by Johnny Mercer Con 12:14:00
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Johnny Mercer raised concerns about veterans’ mental health in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Minister of State for Defence expressed deep regret over the death of a service person in Iraq and acknowledged the ongoing commitment of armed forces. He stated that the Government is committed to better support for individuals experiencing mental distress, including through education and providing access to health services. The Minister highlighted new measures such as a veteran mortality study and increased funding for veterans' mental health care.
Minister of State for Defence confirmed the tragic loss at Camp Taji, acknowledged ongoing suicide issues in the armed forces and outlined steps to address it including better data collection, new support measures and increased funding.
Welcomed the statement but highlighted the need for more action. Emphasised the lack of comprehensive data on veterans' suicides, stigma around mental health issues, and insufficient transition support post-service. Called for greater funding in the upcoming spending review.
Thanked the hon. Gentleman for raising clear and pertinent points regarding veterans' mental health, noting that suicide is a complex issue requiring evidence-based solutions. He highlighted ongoing studies, such as the 'through life' study of 750,000 veterans, and the progress made in reducing stigma around mental health issues. Mercer emphasised the importance of ensuring services are available for those seeking help and discussed resilience training within the military. He also mentioned plans to introduce a Bill to address lawfare affecting veterans and pledged significant funding (£200 million over 10 years) towards veteran mental health.
Intended to ensure everyone present at the beginning of the statement participates in the debate, without specific policy details or statistics provided.
Asked about bringing forward legislation to stop repeated reinvestigation of veterans in the absence of new evidence, referencing a manifesto commitment made during the election campaign.
Acknowledged the Minister's efforts and highlighted personal experiences with PTSD among veterans. He raised concerns about the War Disablement Pension being counted as income against employment support allowance applications, arguing it should not count given its nature.
Responded to MacAskill's concern regarding the war disablement pension, noting that while some aspects do not count against benefit claimants, he is willing to discuss it further offline.
Complimented the Minister on efforts made and suggested support for PTSD Resolution, a charity working in this area. Highlighted £10 million of extra funding for mental health services under the covenant.
Acknowledged Stewart's suggestion and mentioned plans to launch a programme with NHS England, including roles for charities like PTSD Resolution. He encouraged collaboration between government and charitable organisations.
Called on the Minister to provide homes for veterans suffering from PTSD, alongside wraparound services, arguing it could help them reintegrate into civilian society.
Acknowledged Matt Western's call but noted providing houses might not be the best solution. He emphasised the importance of job opportunities and expressed willingness to discuss further.
Expressed appreciation for the Minister's commitment, thanked the Chancellor for £10 million funding allocation, and inquired about efforts to introduce a high-intensity service for veterans in acute need. Raised concerns regarding NHS funding withdrawal affecting Combat Stress.
Thanked his hon. Friend, paid tribute to Combat Stress for its work over 100 years in providing care for injured service people. Emphasised that £200 million is being put into veterans' mental health over the next decade and highlighted the role of organisations like Combat Stress in handling complex PTSD cases.
Asked if there should be more initiatives like the veterans’ hub in Wigan, which provides a one-stop shop for employment, healthcare and other services to veterans and their families.
Agreed that transitioning into civilian life with a high-skilled job is essential for the mental health of veterans. Inquired about progress in increasing numbers of veterans successfully transitioning to civilian employment.
Congratulated Jamie Stone on a previous debate, thanked the Minister for his willingness to work on this issue cross-party. Asked what practical steps are being taken across Government Departments and with devolved Administrations to deliver support for veterans' mental health.
Asked about measures to ensure local authorities sign up to the armed forces covenant so they can support people with their housing and service needs.
Agreed with Minister's statement but challenged narrative about vexatious claims against veterans, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland, urging reflection on potential unintended consequences.
Invited the Minister to praise and visit the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, an invaluable source of support for veterans.
Welcomed all work done on this field by the Minister. Asked about steps being taken to encourage universities to sign up to the armed forces covenant so that veterans do not face barriers when applying for education.
Thanked the Minister for his statement.
Government Response
Discussed ongoing conversations with coroner services, resilience training within the military, tracing individuals post-service, and commitment to ending lawfare. Acknowledged stigma reduction efforts and emphasised ensuring adequate support for those seeking help. Emphasised that the Office for Veterans’ Affairs is key to pulling together great work in the veterans space across Government Departments. Highlighted commitment to strengthen armed forces covenant and ensure no individual or family is disadvantaged due to service. Acknowledged historical challenges regarding prosecutions of military personnel and committed to restoring balance, fairness, and justice. Encouraged cross-party collaboration.
Shadow Response
Stephen MorganExpressed condolences for recent deaths, welcomed the statement but questioned data collection and transition support. Criticised the Budget's £10 million funding allocation as insufficient.