Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Veterans

Monday 15 March 2021 · 5 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Office for Veterans' Affairs launched Operation Courage, a single point of access for three NHS England veterans' mental health services.
  • The current Government promised a pathway to residency for Commonwealth veterans who served, with plans to consult on this issue in the coming months.
  • The Minister committed to a review of veterans' access to the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre to ensure wider access to its resources.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
NHS Veterans
Context

The MP asked about recent discussions to improve support for veterans throughout the UK.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with representatives of military charities on improving support for veterans across the country?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Office for Veterans' Affairs champions our veterans' mental health and wellbeing needs at the heart of Government. This month, NHS England launched Operation Courage, bringing together three NHS England veterans' mental health services with a single point of access. Op Courage is truly a game changer for veterans in the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify recent discussions with military charities but provided information about new initiatives.

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Q2 Rosie Cooper Lab
Veterans
Context

The Royal British Legion highlighted unfair residency charges for Commonwealth veterans, urging the government to end this unjust treatment.

Question

The current policy of charging Commonwealth veterans extortionate fees to settle in the UK is unfair. What measures is the Minister taking to address this injustice?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Let me be absolutely clear: that policy started under the previous Government. This Government has promised a pathway to residency for those who serve, and we will deliver it. We are looking to consult in the coming months on this long-term injustice for our foreign and Commonwealth service personnel.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to specific actions but promised consultation.

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Q3 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Veterans
Context

There are concerns about veteran awareness of the Positive Pathways programme and its long-term support.

Question

What is being done to ensure veterans know about schemes under the Positive Pathways programme, and how can we be sure these offer seamless care and support?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

One of my biggest challenges is not the lack of pathways but getting people to understand them, particularly access to fantastic healthcare and career advice for a smooth transition. It's an ongoing effort, and I welcome the hon. Lady's efforts to help me in this.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific actions or commitments.

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Q4 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
NHS Veterans
Context

The recent £10 million allocation to mental health support is seen as insufficient considering the impact of COVID-19 on veterans' charities.

Question

Will the Minister commit to protecting veterans with additional funding, addressing the disparity between physical and mental health support?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The £10 million from the Chancellor was important. We have also seen Operation Courage, an integrated single-front door approach to mental healthcare in our NHS for veterans. I urge veterans to be aware of what it offers and ensure every GP practice and NHS trust is part of this programme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to additional funding but highlighted new initiatives.

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Q5 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Veterans
Context

The DNRC was designed for world-class healthcare but has seen only 22 people in three years, raising concerns about accessibility.

Question

What steps will be taken to widen access to the £300 million DNRC and make a meaningful difference to veterans' lives?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I have commissioned a review into veterans' access to the Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre. We will address this with the DNRC after understanding the ask from the veterans community, aiming for a path through the middle to ensure we look after those who served.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify concrete measures but promised a review and further work.

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