Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans Overseas

Monday 15 March 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister of Defence stated that veterans can access the same services regardless of their location worldwide.
  • Andrew Gwynne inquired about specific measures to ensure commitments made to veterans living abroad are fulfilled.
  • Ministry confirmed no separate budget exists for overseas veterans but plans to introduce the Armed Forces Bill to strengthen support.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Veterans
Context

The question arises from concerns about the welfare of UK veterans living abroad. It references the Armed Forces Covenant, which promises provisions in various areas.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support the welfare of UK veterans overseas.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Veterans can access the same services provided by the Ministry of Defence, no matter where in the world they live.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific budget and actions for veterans living overseas were not addressed.

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Q2 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Veterans
Context

The question follows up on the previous one, addressing specific issues such as education, family wellbeing, housing, career opportunities, healthcare, financial assistance, and discounted services under the covenant.

Question

What I would like to know, however, is what the Ministry is doing to ensure that the undertakings that we give as a nation are actually delivered for veterans who now live overseas. Is there a specific budget for this vital work to ensure that those veterans are accessing the services that they qualify for?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

There is not a carve-out in the budget for veterans who live overseas, but we are committed to ensuring that the armed forces covenant works equally for them as it does in this country. We are introducing the Armed Forces Bill in the coming months to legislate for the first time to ensure that discharge of duties cannot result in disadvantage from local authorities in health, housing and education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific budget was not addressed, only a commitment without concrete details.

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