Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Covid-19 Support

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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Veterans' support services have continued throughout the pandemic with adjustments.
  • The Government has sponsored a study on the impact of covid-19 on veterans.
  • The Office for Veterans' Affairs works to design a system to prevent veterans from falling through service gaps.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about the impact of the pandemic on veterans, highlighting increased isolation risks for older veterans and reduced funding for military charities.

Question

What support has his Department provided to veterans during the covid-19 outbreak? This year has been very challenging for older veterans who are more at risk of isolation due to lockdowns and restrictions, and tightening funding for military charities. What work is the Minister undertaking to ensure that no veteran in Putney or across the country is lonely this Christmas?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Veterans' support services have continued throughout the pandemic with adjustments. The Government has sponsored a study on the impact of covid-19 on veterans, which will be reported soon. The Office for Veterans' Affairs works to design a system to prevent veterans from falling through service gaps and collaborates with the third sector and statutory provision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments related to preventing loneliness among veterans during Christmas.

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Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Veterans
Context

The MP highlighted the challenges faced by older veterans during the pandemic, particularly regarding loneliness and reduced support from military charities.

Question

This year has been very challenging for older veterans who are more at risk of isolation due to lockdowns and restrictions. What work is the Minister undertaking to ensure that no veteran in Putney or across the country is lonely this Christmas?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Over the past 15 months, the Office for Veterans' Affairs has worked with the third sector and statutory provision to design a system to prevent veterans from falling through service gaps. The Minister understands that this nation's duties to its veterans should be ensured by the state.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments related to preventing loneliness among veterans during Christmas.

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Q3 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Veterans
Context

The MP mentioned that many veterans are facing loneliness and isolation as they shield during the pandemic, especially as we approach Christmas.

Question

Many of our veterans up and down the country have faced loneliness and isolation as they shield during the pandemic. Will the Minister support and promote the Jo Cox Foundation's “Great Winter Get Together” to help our veterans who may be experiencing loneliness this winter?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Minister would be delighted to support the initiative in honour of his friend, Jo. Loneliness is a significant problem for veterans at this time of year, especially with challenges related to cognitive behavioural therapy and other face-to-face services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While supportive of the initiative, the Minister did not provide specific actions or commitments beyond expressing willingness to support it.

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