Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans UK

Monday 15 May 2023 · 8 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Veterans UK continues to deliver services including pension and compensation payments and has a 40 million transformation programme for digitisation.
  • The digitisation programme is expected to lead to better outcomes for financial compensation claims.
  • Specific measures to support female veterans facing sexual harassment and emotional bullying are being worked on by the Defence Secretary.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Veterans
Context

No specific background event or statistic mentioned.

Question

What recent steps has Veterans UK taken to support veterans and their families?

Answer from James Heappey

We continue to deliver a range of services including pension and compensation payments, and tailored support through the Veterans Welfare Service and Defence Transition Services. We are also pressing ahead with our £40 million transformation programme to digitise old practices, improving processes and creating a single entry point for pensions and compensation by the end of 2024.

Answered
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Q2 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Veterans
Context

Claims leading to financial compensation through the armed forces compensation scheme have dropped from 65% to 47%, while rejections have risen from 24% to 41%. This trend is highlighted since 2011-12.

Question

The number of claims leading to financial compensation through the armed forces compensation scheme has dropped significantly, and rejections have increased. Can the Minister explain why this happened and outline plans to address it?

Answer from James Heappey

The digitisation programme will make a big difference, with early evidence showing positive outcomes. My right hon Friend the Minister for Veterans' Affairs recently visited Veterans UK and was encouraged by what he saw. The transformation process should lead to significantly better outcomes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reasons for decreased success rates or detailed plans to address them.

How: Transformation Programme Will Make A Difference

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

14% of veterans in England and Wales are female. A survey indicates that 23% experienced sexual harassment, 23% emotional bullying, contributing to PTSD cases.

Question

Given the high rates of sexual harassment and emotional bullying faced by female veterans, leading to PTSD, what specific measures will the Government take to support these veterans better during service?

Answer from James Heappey

The issue is being worked on. The Defence Secretary prioritises addressing remaining issues around the culture in armed forces, ensuring that support extends to female veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures or timeline for improvement.

How: Working On The Issue, Prioritising Cultural Change

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Q4 Alex Cunningham Lab
Asylum & Refugees Veterans
Context

Series of articles in The Independent campaigning for asylum protection for Afghan pilots and others who supported British forces at great personal cost.

Question

Ministers are aware of a series of articles campaigning for asylum protection for veteran Afghan pilots and other supporters of the British forces. Will these veterans have their applications processed quickly, ensuring none will be deported to Rwanda or elsewhere?

Answer from James Heappey

The gentleman in question applied only on 9 April. We are looking at special circumstances but, as a member of the Afghan national security forces rather than someone who worked alongside UK armed forces, his application would not automatically be approved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm processing speed or deportation status.

How: Looking At Special Circumstances

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Q5 James Gray Con
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

LGBTQ+ soldiers from before 2001 lost rank, were dismissed, and lost pensions. Lord Etherton was appointed to look into this matter.

Question

When will the report of Lord Etherton on LGBTQ+ soldiers' treatment be brought before the House? Will there be an oral statement to cross-examine Ministers?

Answer from James Heappey

The review will be here soon. We will make sure that its lessons are learned and adopted by the Department, reflecting the values of modern British armed forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or format for report presentation.

How: Review Will Be Here Soon

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Q6 Mike Penning Con
Veterans
Context

Today marks the day that Captain Robert Nairac from 1st Battalion was taken by the IRA and murdered. His murderers are still free, and truth about his death is unknown.

Question

Does the Minister acknowledge the need for veterans of Operation Banner to know the truth about what happened to Captain Robert Nairac? The veteran groups in Mike Penning's constituency and that of Dean Russell seek support from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs as they go forward.

Answer from James Heappey

I agree with sentiments. The case is particularly barbaric. There is a lot of work going into legacy of troubles, how investigations should progress. Minister for Veterans' Affairs leads on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific actions or timeline to address the case.

How: Agrees With Sentiments, Work Ongoing

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Q7 Jack Lopresti Con
Veterans
Context

Veterans ID cards are due to be rolled out by Remembrance Day.

Question

Can the Minister update the House on the progress of the roll-out of veterans ID cards, expected to complete by Remembrance Day this year?

Answer from James Heappey

My hon Friend's expectations are likely accurate. The Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families will write to him if that is not the case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm current progress or completion status.

How: Expectations Likely Accurate, Will Check With Minister

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Q8 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Veterans
Context

The five-year review of the armed forces compensation scheme found the process overly burdensome and distressing for veterans and their families. The Government is missing its casework targets, leading to delays in addressing these issues.

Question

Tomorrow marks the 60th anniversary of the last serviceman being stood down from national service. I express our thanks to all those who served. Given that the five-year review found the compensation scheme process overly burdensome and distressing for veterans and their families, can I press the Minister on when we will see the final report of the review? Can he confirm that meaningful improvements will be made to the scheme before summer recess?

Answer from James Heappey

Around £40 million is being invested to digitise paper-based processes and records, which will transform the existing system. A new online digital claims service has been launched through gov.uk and accounts for 50% of all new injury and illness claims.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm when the final report would be published or provide specific improvements to the compensation scheme before summer recess.

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