Armed Forces Covenant 2021-07-05
2021-07-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government claims to be strengthening the armed forces covenant through legislation, but there are concerns about its effectiveness in addressing veterans' needs.
I am concerned that while the Government claim the Armed Forces Bill will enshrine the armed forces covenant into law, it does not impose a responsibility on government departments like the Ministry of Defence to deliver the covenant. The focus on housing, healthcare, and education risks creating a two-tier system with unequal access to services based on location. How will you ensure that we eliminate this postcode lottery for veterans in accessing vital services?
The statutory guidance issued ensures a best practice template for every local authority to follow, ensuring that veterans and service people are not disadvantaged in their locality.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timelines to eliminate the postcode lottery.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government is working to enshrine the armed forces covenant into law, but concerns persist about its effectiveness in addressing veterans' needs.
I am concerned that while the Government claim the Armed Forces Bill will enshrine the armed forces covenant into law, it does not impose a responsibility on government departments like the Ministry of Defence to deliver the covenant. The focus on housing, healthcare, and education risks creating a two-tier system with unequal access to services based on location. How will you ensure that we eliminate this postcode lottery for veterans in accessing vital services?
The statutory guidance ensures a best practice template for every local authority to follow, ensuring that veterans and service people are not disadvantaged in their locality.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific measures or timelines to eliminate the postcode lottery.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a group of veterans known as nuclear test veterans who have suffered from cancers, blood disorders and rare diseases as a result of their service. They have been refused support, recognition, compensation and a medal for their service.
The armed forces covenant is the debt that this country owes to our servicemen and women who have served our country. One such group are the nuclear test veterans who have suffered from cancers, blood disorders and rare diseases as a result of their service. They have been refused support, recognition, compensation and a medal for their service. Will the Minister review the Government's position on this issue and agree to meet the nuclear veterans?
Historic medallic recognition cases are a matter for the independent Advisory Military Sub-Committee. Last year, it considered the case of nuclear test programme veterans and concluded that it did not meet the necessary criteria.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to reviewing or meeting with nuclear veterans.
Response accuracy