House of Commons · Bill Debate
24 March 2023 · 12 other contributors
Opened by Robin Millar Con Aberconwy
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Robin Millar raised concerns about veterans' advisory and pensions committees bill - clause proposing reforms to enhance the roles of veterans’ advisory and pensions committees (vapcs) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Bill aims to amend the functions of VAPCs to enable them to play a more active role in supporting veterans. It seeks to improve coordination, accountability, and responsiveness to feedback from veterans by moving VAPC powers into the Armed Forces Act 2006, broadening their scope of responsibilities, and expanding the cohort of veterans eligible for support from VAPCs.
Supports the Bill's aim to improve liaison with local authorities and the third sector, emphasising the importance of proper coordination for effective veteran support in his constituency.
Asked about practical measures that veterans will experience on the ground once the Bill becomes law. Highlights the need to outline clear interactions with VAPCs for effective support delivery.
Committed the work of the hon. Member for Aberconwy and noted that the Bill's aims are excellent, providing further support to veterans through Veterans UK. Welcomed the Justice and Veterans Minister's debate on employment support for veterans in Scotland, highlighting Midlothian Council as the first housing organisation in Scotland to sign up as a partner with Veterans Housing Scotland. Emphasised the need for all parties to work together to help veterans and acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by members of the forces community.
Congratulated his hon. Friend on bringing forward the Bill, noting that Darlington's large veteran community benefits from various support systems due to its proximity to Catterick and the significant engagement with veterans' groups like Plane Sailing for Heroes in his constituency. He highlighted low satisfaction rates among veterans regarding existing compensation schemes (36% overall satisfaction rate) and emphasised the Bill’s role in addressing systemic issues.
Emphasised her positive experience from the armed forces parliamentary scheme, specifically mentioning Tunnel beach as a valuable insight into supporting veterans' mental health. She welcomed the Bill for its potential to benefit veterans and their families.
Paid tribute to the armed forces parliamentary scheme and commended his hon. Friends for their points about transferring pension schemes into MOD legislation and widening scope of support systems. He recognised the importance of integrating veterans' families within the service system and acknowledged concerns over low satisfaction rates with Veterans UK services. Highlighted Future Soldier’s reference as significant, emphasising the dependency of national security on armed forces members and their communities.
Jonathan Gullis expressed his pride in speaking about the Armed Forces Bill, acknowledging the diversity of skills required by those serving. He highlighted local veterans' organisations and their contributions to society, such as the Arts and Minds Gallery and Tri Services, which provide support and rest for service members. Gullis also mentioned the importance of commemorating sacrifices made during conflicts like D-day and the first world war. He emphasised the need for proper equipment and training for troops to prevent tragedies like the death of Corporal Stephen Allbutt in Iraq.
Supports the Bill, emphasising its importance for veterans and their families. Highlights issues such as lack of support post-service, homelessness among veterans in London, and complications in claiming compensation. Mentions 2,723 veterans in Harrow and discusses the impact on ex-service accommodation residents. Emphasises the need to update statutory functions to include family members of veterans.
Supports the Bill, praising its wide support across the House and its alignment with Government’s commitment to support armed forces community. Mentions 4,958 veterans in her constituency facing health issues and other difficulties post-service. Welcomes the Bill's aim to modernise VAPCs’ functions and extend their advisory powers to include all veterans and families.
Pollard thanked the hon. Member for Aberconwy for introducing this Bill, highlighting its importance in updating legislation concerning veterans advisory and pensions committees. He emphasised that these committees play a key role in supporting veteran communities across the UK and stressed the need to ensure they can engage with all relevant groups, including national service veterans and recent veterans.
Heappey supported this Bill, praising its cross-party support and highlighting the importance of the work done by VAPCs in supporting veterans. He addressed recommendations made by the shadow Minister for Armed Forces to update the website, terms of reference, and appointment processes for VAPCs.
Expressed gratitude towards Lord Lancaster, Lieutenant Colonel John Lighten, Adrian Hughes from the Home Front Museum in Llandudno. Highlighted the importance of veterans' contributions to communities and society. Commended his father's example as a veteran who silently carried burdens for society.