Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Veterans

Monday 11 September 2023 · 6 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

  • Veterans UK has taken steps to support veterans and their families through various services including pensions, compensation, and tailored advice.
  • The Minister is willing to urgently investigate a constituent's case and review waiting times if provided with further details.
  • The Government aims to provide a full response to recommendations from the Etherton review and is working with Fighting With Pride, though no specific timeline is given.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Veterans
Context

Veterans UK's services are under scrutiny for their effectiveness in supporting veterans and their families.

Question

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

Answer from Andrew Murrison

The MOD delivers a range of services including administration and payment of armed forces pensions, compensation, and tailored advice through the Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and integrated personal commissioning for veterans. Independent reviews were published in July with full response to recommendations later this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures taken by Veterans UK are not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q2 Maggie Throup Con
NHS Veterans
Context

A constituent, a disabled veteran who served with distinction, applied for benefits but is still awaiting determination after nearly a year.

Question

Will the Minister look into my constituent's case urgently and review waiting times?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

If further details are provided, I will be happy to investigate. The latest quinquennial review was published on 17 July 2023, addressing timeliness among other improvements. Government response is due later this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to immediate investigation or timeline for review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q3 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Royal British Legion reported that only 8% of disabled veterans had their service medical records considered in work capability assessments.

Question

What discussions has the Minister had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions regarding this issue?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Such conversations are live in context. We will take into account the points made, though it is a matter for the Department for Work and Pensions and the Treasury.

Not addressed: No specifics on discussions or plans to disregard military compensation awards

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q4 James Gray Con
Veterans
Context

Amy Swash has been running the all-party parliamentary group for the armed forces and will leave shortly.

Question

To pay tribute to Miss Amy Swash's contributions to raising awareness about veterans' issues.

Answer from Andrew Murrison

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, I add tributes and express admiration for the armed forces parliamentary scheme's work in informing and educating colleagues.

Not addressed: No specific tribute or recognition of Miss Swash's contributions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q5 Clive Efford Lab Eltham and Chislehurst
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The Government promised a full response to Lord Etherton's recommendations after the summer recess.

Question

When can we expect a response from the Government on the recommendations?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

We are working with Fighting With Pride to ensure what is put in place is right. We aim to have a full response later this year, but not providing a specific date or debating timeline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to providing a specific timeframe for the Government's response

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Q6 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Women & Equalities Veterans
Context

The Government committed to provide a full response after the summer recess, which would be debated in the House.

Question

When will the Government respond to the Etherton review's recommendations?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

We aim to provide a full response when it sees fit, working with Fighting With Pride. Debate will happen but no exact timeline given.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeframe or debate schedule provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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