Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces Veterans

Thursday 25 April 2024 · 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 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial efforts include Operation Fortitude to end veterans' rough sleeping, Operation Restore and Operation Courage to support health and wellbeing, and Operation Prosper to help veterans secure high-value jobs.
  • The Minister encourages Members of the House to visit community-focused veteran initiatives like the Wincanton breakfast club, which tackles isolation and loneliness among veterans.
  • Neil Hudson and the Minister paid tribute to veterans from Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Commonwealth on Anzac Day, recognizing their contributions to world peace during the world wars.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Veterans
Context

The question follows the government's ongoing initiatives to support veterans, including Operation Fortitude, Restore, Courage, and Prosper. It specifically inquires about community-based veteran support.

Question

What steps he is taking to support armed forces veterans? The Wincanton armed forces breakfast club offers a place for veterans to catch up and have peer support at the Balsam centre in my constituency. What efforts is the Minister making to support similar community-focused initiatives across the UK?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Through Operation Fortitude, we are ending veterans' rough sleeping; through Operation Restore and Operation Courage, we are supporting their health and wellbeing; and Operation Prosper is an employment pathway to help veterans secure high-value jobs. We plan to publish the UK's first draft veterans Bill. I pay tribute to the Wincanton armed forces breakfast club for its amazing job bringing together veterans and tackling isolation and loneliness. The Minister encourages all Members of the House to visit such clubs, which do not just happen but rely on volunteers.

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Q2 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Veterans
Context

The Wincanton armed forces breakfast club provides a platform for veterans to socialise and receive peer support. The questioner inquires about the government's efforts to promote similar community-based initiatives.

Question

What efforts is the Minister making to support community-focused initiatives such as that for veterans across the UK? The Wincanton breakfast club offers a place for veterans to catch up, have peer support and enjoy a social meal. What steps are being taken to support these types of initiatives?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I pay tribute to the Wincanton armed forces breakfast club and other similar clubs for their amazing job bringing together veterans and tackling isolation and loneliness. The Minister encourages all Members of the House to visit such clubs, which do not just happen but rely on volunteers.

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Q3 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Veterans
Context

Today is Anzac Day, a day to remember the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand veterans. The questioner seeks recognition for these veterans in an increasingly dangerous world.

Question

On Anzac Day, will my right hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to veterans in Australia, New Zealand, here in the UK and right across the Commonwealth, to whom we owe so much?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the question. Anzac Day is an incredibly important day; I pay tribute to veterans across the globe, particularly those from Australia and New Zealand who have made extraordinary contributions to world peace during the world wars. Veterans can be incredibly proud of their service.

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