Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Veterans

Monday 13 June 2022 · 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

  • The Veterans' Strategy Action Plan was published earlier this year with 60 commitments and 70 million investment.
  • The Minister expressed willingness to visit Southport veterans' hub if nearby in the future.
  • 40 million is being invested in a digitalisation programme to address issues in the Veterans UK appeals system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damien Moore Con
Veterans
Context

The question arises from the need to address comprehensive support for veterans, highlighted by the publication of the 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan'. This plan includes £70 million investment in various areas such as healthcare and employment.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to help support veterans across the UK? The 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan' published earlier this year set out 60 commitments, including significant funding. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that veterans are supported right across the UK. The 'Veterans' Strategy Action Plan', published earlier this year, set out 60 commitments and £70 million of investment, particularly on the themes of healthcare and employment.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Damien Moore Con
Veterans
Context

A recent event at the Southport veterans' hub highlighted its importance in providing support for ex-service personnel. The hub addresses specific local challenges faced by veterans.

Question

I recently attended the opening of Southport veterans' hub, which does an excellent job in providing support for ex-service personnel in my constituency. Will my hon. Friend join veterans at the hub to further understand what more support his Department can give?

Answer from Leo Docherty

I would like to acknowledge the importance of such gatherings, which I have seen regularly in my constituency. I thank my hon. Friend for his support of that hub. If I find myself near Southport in the near future, I would be delighted to visit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request to join the veterans at the hub was not directly addressed or committed to.

How: I Thank My Hon. Friend For His Support Of That Hub

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Veterans
Context

A veteran who served as a Royal Engineer for 38 years has been fighting for almost nine years to receive the compensation he is entitled to. This case highlights broader issues with veterans' compensation, affecting nearly 3,000 people.

Question

One veteran who served as a Royal Engineer for 38 years told me that he has been fighting for almost nine years to receive the compensation that he is entitled to. Currently, nearly 3,000 people are stuck in the Veterans UK appeals system facing similar experiences. We all know that there are issues with veterans' compensation. When will the Minister stop denying that and act?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We are acting, and I am pleased to confirm that we are investing £40 million in a radical digitalisation programme, which I saw with my own eyes a few weeks ago when I was in Norcross, where the paper records are held. There are frustrations, but work is continuing apace.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email