Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Veterans: Covid-19 Response

Monday 7 December 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Responding to the covid-19 pandemic has been Defence's highest strategic priority, and thousands of service personnel and veterans have been active in every region of the United Kingdom and devolved Administrations.
  • We have rolled out a series of services-the veterans trauma network; the transition, intervention and liaison service; and the complex treatment service-to ensure veterans are looked after in this country.
  • Veterans across constituencies have been supporting one another, delivering services, medicines, and helping vulnerable people, reflecting the true values of the veterans community.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Johnston
NHS Defence
Context

The MP seeks to understand the potential benefits of involving veterans in the national effort against the pandemic.

Question

What recent assessment has been made regarding the merits of including armed forces veterans in the UK's response to the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Responding to the covid-19 pandemic has been Defence's highest strategic priority, and as part of the national response thousands of service personnel and veterans have been active in every region of the United Kingdom and devolved Administrations.

Answered
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Q2 Andrew Jones Con
Veterans
Context

The MP acknowledges the contributions of veterans like Captain Sir Tom Moore and seeks information on safety protocols for volunteers.

Question

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Veterans from all services offer skills, community involvement, and an approach to getting things done. How is my hon. Friend ensuring that these individuals are kept safe while they provide invaluable support?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have rolled out a series of services—the veterans trauma network; the transition, intervention and liaison service; and the complex treatment service. We are working towards building a panoply of services so that all of our veterans are looked after in this country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific safety measures not detailed

How: We Are Working Towards

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Q3 David Johnston
NHS Mental Health Veterans
Context

The MP highlights local veteran initiatives, such as the RAF Association raising funds for Operation Connect.

Question

Veterans across my constituency have been supporting one another, whether by calling in on those with mental health concerns or fundraising. Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking them? Does he agree that this shows ongoing service even post-active duty?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I pay tribute to the RAF Association in my hon. Friend's constituency for raising £6,000. Veterans have stepped up during this time to deliver services, medicines, and help vulnerable people, reflecting the true values of our veterans community.

Answered
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